Good Night

The Sand Maiden #3

by L.R.W. Lee

Can Ali save Kennan, the Empire, and the World?

Ali won the contest of her life, The Ninety-Eight, as a pawn of the Council, but danger still lurks. The male Ali fled Dream from is using the brother of the man she loves to track her down. What's worse? That male is her father, Ambien. How will she and Kovis save his sibling from her father's clutches?

If that's not bad enough, the bigger threat still looms: Ambien plans to conquer Wake, and he'll turn humans into catatonic beings who do his will if he succeeds. As Ali and Kovis search for a way to stop him, every idea requires that she return to Dream, an impossibility. What darkness will she and Kovis be forced to confront to stop the god?

Genres: Fantasy, New Adult, Mythology, Fantasy Romance

394 pages, Paperback

First published January 7, 2019

About the author

📚 USA Today Bestselling Author 📚 Genre bending, swoony, NO SPICE fantasy romance 📚 Appeals to YA and adults

Website: http://www.lrwlee.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lrwlee/
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/lrwlee/

Reviews

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book! I do own this whole series so far!

The cover is really cool looking!

This is the 3rd book in the series, and it is for adults due to the steamy content and violence. I highly recommend reading the series in order so you understand the world and what Ali and Kovis are up against.

Ali and Kovis are trying to go to Dream to stop Ambien and rescue her sister and in turn Kovis’ brother. They encounter lots of trouble along the way both brought on themselves and by outside forces. Together they learn some lessons along the way. This is part of the reason I love L.R.W.’s books because there is always meaning that you might not initially see but realize later. So much awesomeness in this book, but I don’t want to give any of it away. There are lots of battles, heartache, romance, pain, and so much more! I really loved it!

I highly recommend to any fantasy fans who love magic, alternate worlds, action, romance, and lessons sprinkled throughout! L.R.W. is one of my favorite authors! You don’t want to miss out!

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Night is the third installment in The Sand Maiden fantasy series. It picks up right where the events of the last book left off. This book is predominantly focused on Ali and Kovis working together to save Kennan and Wake from Ambien's clutches. Ms. Lee takes her readers on a roller coaster ride with this book in terms of plot with this one. There's a lot going on with all the characters readers have come to know in the first two books as they all are impacted by Ambien's nefarious plotting. I think it's the best one in the series so far. Ms. Lee really took the time to develop the relationship between these two characters by running them through the gamut of emotional situations. I found this a bit lacking in the first two books of the series, so I really appreciated getting this part of Ali and Kovis's story. I finally feel like I know and understand them as a couple. Ambien is also featured a bit more in this story through chapters told from his perspective, providing insight into his twisted motives and desires. He is portrayed as being very strategic and intelligent, making him an even more scary villain. I love the truly unique world building of Wake and Dream that Ms. Lee just continues to build on with each book. Can't wait to see what comes next.

I received a copy of this book from the author.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

After escaping from The Ninety-Eight, Ali and Kovis must find a way to return to Dream in an attempt to stop her father. And that is where Good Night picks up. This book is fantastic. Most of the time it is from Ali’s point of view, but occasionally switches to another (Ambien, Kovis, Kennan). The writing is super engaging. I had trouble putting it down sometimes, usually due to concern for the very well-developed characters and wondering what the author would do to them next. The Dream/Wake world is so imaginative. Every once in a while the way things are phrased gave me a smile or even a chuckle. The end was such a satisfying wrap-up (with one huge surprise I wasn’t expecting, but was so happy with) while still setting up the next book in the series. I very highly recommend this book (and the rest in the series) to late teens and up who enjoy fantasy with a lot of romance thrown in.

[Cabiria Aquarius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ali’s tale continues to surprise me. At every turn there’s something new to learn about her world, herself and her fight against her father.
Good Night is just as heart wrenchingly good as the other two in the series of not more.
Ali’s father always upping the stakes and causing distress and breaking his daughters... Ali determined to beat him and having senses that don’t lead her astray.
Alfreda and Velma go through much at the hands of their father. Alfreda much so.
It’s hard to imagine what a father would do to his own children. What a villain but so well written it’s hard not to appreciate the fact that he’s so good at what he wants to do and what he does to get things done. You love to hate him.
You just have to feel for Ali.

This series is such a rollercoaster. Honestly I think it’s become one of my favourites easily. The series has wormed its way into my heart.

[debturk1970_bookvibes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Of Conflict & Fear, Love & Loyalty!!😱😢💖🙏

This is another action packed & explosive read in this series!!💥

After escaping from her Father with Kovis, her new Fiance, they have to scavenge, hunt, hide & barter for many months to try & avoid people he's taken over from Dream, like he has with Kennan!!😭😡 They've also got to avoid Mares. Whilst on the run Ali is desperately trying to figure out a way for them both to travel to the Dream Realm & survive. With Kennan being taken over it means he won't eat, sleep or drink - he has no control over himself while her Father is literally pulling his strings. It also means her sister is under their Father's control. Ali is terrified for them both as is Kovis but Kennan isn't immortal!!😱 They must stop him & save Wake as well as their families 🍀🙏💕

Once she thinks she's figured out a way, Kovis is all in, So they start their new journey. They battle horrendous weather amongst other things to arrive at a haunted island.😕 In the Dream Realm Kovis will lose his magic but they'll find out if Ali is right about some of her powers being 'other'!😎

What occurs in the Dream Realm throughout this book is mostly dark & harrowing. Her Father is completely unhinged!😢😡 They will need to reach out to family far & wide who are much more powerful than them to stop him. But first they'll need to find her missing siblings!😱

Wow, this book was gripping! It held a slightly different tension to it than 'Lullaby' but it compelled me just as much. 🙏 The romance & steam levels were raised, although not everything runs smoothly!💘🔥😉 The vileness of her Father knows no bounds it seemed 😡 There were, however, wonderful moments of reconnection, levity, friendship, love of family & friends and new connections that all touched my heart. This book made me cry - Kovis & his horse was the first time but not the last, I've warned you!🙈
I'm loving getting lost in these two Realms with all of these wonderful characters and can't wait for the next book in this exhilarating series!!🌟
(I was given a copy of this book with no expectation of a review)

Debbie, 1970, UK

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thus ends another chapter in Ali’s adventure. I must say I’m immensely pleased. Lee impressed me. Both with the character development, and the unflinching look at difficult topics amongst the myriad. It is another beautifully woven tapestry that left me hungry for more. Love, betrayal, war, and abuse are only a few topics that are touched on here. Beyond that seriousness though are snippets of good natured people, friendship, and comedic relief to add levity to the relentless journey that our heroes face. Lee’s Sand Maiden series is a story that stands with the ‘Me too’ movement. This instalment highlights the aftermath of abuse, and how different people come to terms with those aspects. It’s inspiring. Good Night has become my new favourite - sorry Lullaby - in the Sand Maiden series. It’s a whirlwind of beauty and emotion, and I wish it never had to end.

ARC REVIEWER!

[Kiersten Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantasy fans, hold onto your wings, because Lee has done it again. With her masterful story telling I feel like I was there with Ali and Kovis. I feel their pain and love. I cried during certain scenes and hated Ambien with a passion. He's become one of my favorite villian to hate. You feel for him one second and curse his name another. The Aunt's however will forever be my favorite, if only for how much they can make Ali blush. The wings, dear good the wings. The vivid descriptions had me seeing Dream so clearly I could feel the sand as I touched down in the beaches and the winds now against my face. Velma and Alfreda had me crying and made me want to hug my siblings.

I'm nervous and frightened and excited and elated for what Ali and Kovis's future looks like. And just can't get enough!
I'm so excited for this 3rd installment of The Sand Maiden series and can't wait for the next one!!

[Cleocutie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ali is back and still working towards thwarting her father's plans to take over Wake. The story is full of twists and turns and adventure that keeps you interested until the very end and leaves you eagerly awaiting the next book to see what happens next once it is over. The characters are very well written and they and the world they live in is very detailed so you feel like it could be a real place and really feel for the characters.

[⋆Aree⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Ann Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly brilliant

Again this brilliant author has brought to life yet another fantastic chapter to this story . This is so much different to most fantasy books with many twists and turns within and of course there are excitement to this story yet there is also darkness, the characters are great I recommend you read this series of you like fantasy books as it's a great story to get lost and I am looking forward to reading more

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I want to say how much I love the cover by Charlie Bowater, it's so gorgeous and I so wish there were interior illustrations too. Good Night begins shortly after the events in Lullaby. Ali and Kovis are now on the run, hiding among the foothills of the Tuliv Mountains while they develop a plan to rescue Kennan (Kovis twin brother) and Alfreda (Ali's sister in Dream). Ali's father, Ambien has taken control of Kennan and using his connection as Kovis' twin to try and locate them, while making Alfreda control him through her connection to his dreams. Ali begins the story filled with so many questions and fitful nights of sleep filled with bad dreams. Where before Ali lulled her charge to sleep, she now feels desperately out of place and misses all of her healer friends and extended family who she hasn't seen since she left Dream. The only thing that seems certain is that she and Kovis will have to find a way to get to Dream together. Yet, lurking in the shadows of the trees are "mares," beasts that bring the most terrifying nightmares and can rip you to shreds. Beasts that are working for Ali's father, Ambien, a god they will need to confront if they want to prevent him from controlling all of Wake.

The story alternates between Ali, Kovis, Kennan and even Ambien's perspective. I really enjoyed this approach feeling it gave more insight into each of the characters. I especially felt like I got a better look at what type of person Ambien is, his desire to control Wake, and why he is so eager to have control over his daughters. Ambien is very evil, the type of person who will stop at nothing to get vengeance, even tormenting his daughters until he gets what he wants. The kind of character that made me cringe. Good Night also really gets at the complexities of Ali's and Kovis feelings for one another, how Kovis is trying to open himself up and forget events in his past or to break down walls that he has. Just as it looks like he is moving forward, his brother Kennan makes a confession that reveals a hidden truth uprooting their happiness. I felt so sorry for poor Kennan, he seems so desperately in love with Ali. I was so saddened with the way he was being controlled and possessed, forced to do Ambien's bidding. I worry what the future holds for Kennan and whether he will truly have his own happiness.

Ahh, but Ali and Korvis, and the deep bond and connections they share, how they have this lovely playful way of talking to one another, with undertones of intimate sexual desire even in the tensest of situations. And yes being a new adult book, there are some steamy moments, so be forewarned. I loved how they can join minds, communicate telepathically and how Ali can see herself from inside Kovis's mind while also being inside her own body. Sounds disorienting, but because of their deep trust for one another seems to work well. I'm so happy with the way in which the story resolved, and that there will be possibilities at second chances between these two. Lastly, I loved getting to know more about Ali's family, especially her aunts, who were hysterical, caring, and had a few tricks of there own, and who hopefully will still be an integral part of the next book. I know I've said this before about Lee's writing, but I've so enjoyed following along with her writing career and seeing how she develops her characters, the worlds of Wake and Dream and the twists and turns she throws at ya. As always I will be eagerly awaiting to read more of Kovis and Ali's story.
* I received an ebook copy from the author in exchange for an honest review **

[Linda Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ali and Kovis have an incredible journey ahead of them in this third book. They have to challenge a God determined to control the people of Wake.

It is quite a dangerous journey. They have to take on people under the control of her father. They have no idea what will happen or who to trust. Her father is truly a monster. He has no limits in what he will do to get what he wants.

I really enjoyed seeing their relationship strengthen and grow. He had to face his past and overcome the pain and darkness to have a future with her.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.

[Soraya Himpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Goodnight continues the sand maiden series royal well. The descriptions were excellent. We see the growth of all the characters which was really impressing. The story was extremely surprising and I really didn’t expect any of what happened. I personally couldn’t put the book down at any moment because there was always something happening.

[Jena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really fun and a great addition to this series. I'm just gonna blitz through a few of my thoughts.
-The plot of this book was of a larger scale than the first book, which is nice, and the additionally mythology and lore were really cool, but the romance wasn't my favourite. This honestly isn't a fault of the book, the romantic writing didn't decline in quality, I just prefer seeing characters falling in love than simply being in love
-I still hate the term "dream beam"
-I don't know how to feel about Keenan's character. His actions in the first book are not forgivable, that being said, Ali never forced herself to forgive him, she simply acknowledged the other parts of his character. I liked where his character was headed in that book. In this one though, he seemed to lack some of his previous depth. His past mistakes were revealed to be worse than we thought, and the whole love triangle bit was kind of dumb. To end on a good note though, I liked his and Alfreda's interactions, and am looking forward to seeing more of them (hopefully asa couple).
-As a whole, I really liked the ending of this book. The overarching plot is still ongoing, but enough small conflicts were solved that I'm not anxious about everything being wrapped up in the next book. I also loved the found family trope towards the end of the book (The literal family reunion was good, but I'm referring to the very end with Keenan, Ali's sisters, and her friends in Wake.)
-Lastly, small complaint (although honestly my main one) but this book was a bit too much like Sarah J Maas's writing style for my liking. I don't mean that in a Maas Stan "you ripped her off" kind of way, I actually mean the opposite. This book had a lot of small details similar to ACOTAR that I didn't like. (And they're details that, although popularized in Maas's writing, I'm sure were already a thing in NA Fantasy - again this isn't me accusing anyone of plagiarism, it's literally just me pointing out trending tropes and word choices that I don't like). Don't get me wrong, some of the similarities between the two series were fun, for example I liked the main characters having a bond through which they can communicate, but some were things that I didn't like in ACOTAR to begin with, and I feel like don't need to be continued as a trend in the NA fantasy romance genre (for example words like purr or wingspan)
I feel like I listed more complaints in this review than things that I liked, but honestly the complaints I mentioned were small things. I just felt like pointing them out. As a whole, like with Lullaby, I really liked this book. The plot is interesting and keeps you on your toes, the romance is really cute, and most of all, the world building is fascinating. I loved seeing it further explored in this book and seeing more mythology be incorporated into it. I look forward to seeing this lore further extended in the final book!

[Samantha Zeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Night, book 3 of the Sand maiden series by LRW Lee is fabulous, comedic, and heart-wrenching. The world Lee built from book 1 until now just keeps growing and gets more visually profound with each chapter. Her ability to keep that movie in your head going is quite a talent that I am in awe of. I honestly can say this is one of my top favorite NA Fantasy series for it's ability to touch on hard subjects, such as the MeToo movement and other issues, while still keeping you engaged, smiling, and wanting more.

***Small spoilers to follow for those who have not finished Good Night!***

The growth the characters shown was inspiring, humble, and brave. Ali growing into herself even more than Lullaby was fantastic to watch and live through. Kovis learning new skills was sweet and funny to watch unfold. Tables turned when Ali became the teacher and Kovis had to learn to be the student.

Ambien. Oh Ambien. I do not feel a bit of pity for you. You are an overbearing, control freak, abusive, jerk of a sorry excuse for a father! I do not like anything about you! I love villains. I love to hate you oh so much. You deserve everything you get. Chapter 13 was the most heart-wrenching chapter for me. I do not cry reading books, but this almost got me. My heart raced reading this chapter! Poor Velma and Alfreda!

The aunts. I just need more of them in my life. Nuff said. Give them to me all day.

Kennan. In my review of Lullaby I stated that I was not sold on him yet. I am still not sold. Convince me otherwise!

One thing bothered me (and this in no way puts a damper on my review, just stating my thoughts), which seems to be a bit different from some other reviewers perspective, was the kiss between Ali and Kovis finally coming to light. Which I was so excited to finally hear about after 2 books! In my eyes it seemed like everyone was OK blaming Kovis for Ali and Kennan's kiss. How can Kovis believe it was his fault? How can Ali even play with the idea that this justification was OK? It is never OK in my eyes. Because Kovis was having a few bad days does not give Ali the right to kiss his twin brother! Passionately even. Ever. I do not think Kovis' attitude when discovering this was over the top at all. In fact I think he took it rather well. Instead of blowing his top, he chose to [attempt] to keep calm and analyze the situation. He forgave her so easily, all while blaming himself. It wasn't his fault. But everyone handles things differently and this is one of those times. I do love that it was different from "the norm" however. Weather I agree or not.

The ending has me giddy in my seat speculating what is next in Ali and Kovis' adventure! 5 stars! Book 4 is at the top of my list for must reads!

[Emma-Louise Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. The story follows on perfectly from where Lullaby left off. I cannot wait to find out what happens next.

[Tona-T]

Congratulations!!
It´s a good bock, it´s very interesting.

[Laura_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Sand Maiden series and I honestly can say it does not disappoint! We pick up where we left off in Lullaby and it is an adventure to say the least. I continue to love the growth and development with these characters and don’t ever want it to end. The growth of Ali and Kovis in this installment is great. I feel even more connected with the story and with them. I appreciate the alt-view of Ambien and what is going on there with all his plotting and scheming. LRW Lee has found such a great following with this story and it just continues getting better and better with each book! Please don’t ever stop creating these wonderful worlds that you have shared with us. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Sittelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it just as much as the first 2 books. Often when I read a series I find I usually get less interested with each book, but with these ones I'm still just as excited to see what happens in the next book as I was in the beginning. The characters are still so relatable and I love Ali and Kovis even more than before, along with a few others that get introduced with a bigger role in the story. Looking forward to the next one!!

[Salih Awouda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait to read it.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this book picks up right where the last leaves us.

What I really enjoyed about this one was how grown Ali and Kovis’s relationship is. We really get to see them act like a couple and go on the crazy ride to save Wake together. One thing that still bugs me about this book was in the beginning when Kovis finds out that Ali had kissed Kennan. To me, it felt really immature and out of character to read how Kovis reacted in regards to that kiss and wouldn’t even hear Ali out right away. I thought that was very beneath him and very childish behavior for him. It set me off for the rest of the novel and being weary about how he was going to react. I must say that he halfway redeemed himself when Ali had to do the three tasks from her father. Kovis had finally matured and was respectful to her.

Lee has a way with creating worlds for her readers. There were many crazy adventures we went on as Ali and Kovis were trying to get to Dream and struggle with finding a way to save loved ones and end hated ones. They grew as a couple and faced their own inner demons together. It was special.
Now, obviously I am happy that the ending leaves this open for another installment. I was pretty disappointed that this was yet another book where it feels Ali has made no progress with saving Dream or ending her Father’s reign. It felt like it was adding up and intensifying his end, but nope. I’m just ready to see the end of her father and had my hopes up really high for it. Especially since the book was titled Good Night.

Overall, this book fits perfectly well with the rest of the series. It’s not one you’d want to miss out on! Good Night was engaging, dramatic, entertaining, and magnificent. A complete page-turner and one that will leave you dying for the next book. Lee has a way with keeping her readers on the edge of their seats and satisfied until the very last page.

Thank you so much to L.R.W.Lee for allowing me to be an ARC reader for these 3 books so far. I love them all and can’t wait to know what is next for these characters!

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars

**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. This review contains spoilers if you haven’t read Lullaby or Rock-A-Bye Baby.**

Good Night picks up right where Lullaby ends and thanks to Rock-A-Bye Baby we as readers fully understand the stakes and how truly important it is for Ali and Kovis to succeed.

We get to delve deeper into the mythos of the world Lee built. The characters also explore the magic systems and test their limitations in both realms, which is always interesting to see.

Good Night also shows us how much Ali’s character has grown during her time away from Dream realm and we see further character growth from her as well as Kovis in this installment. Both characters have to face their inner demons and some very tangible monsters.

I really liked seeing a few more POVs in the book. They were well done, giving each POV character a distinct voice. It was refreshing and quite enlightening to see the story through the eyes of characters besides Ali and Kovis. I also really liked seeing some familiar faces in Dream and learning more about its mythos.

However, for most of the book it’s mainly Ali and Kovis. I didn’t realize how much I liked the side characters from Lullaby until they weren’t there. This meant it was a lot of them talking everything out (in big batches of dialogue) and then both of them reflecting. As Ali and Kovis are both POV characters this got to be a bit much at times (at least for me). I also felt like some jokes may have been overdone.

That ending though! Once you get to the final part the book just moves and becomes really hard to put down.

I really enjoy reading about the realms Lee has created and am excited to see how certain things are going to play out in the next installment of the series.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodnight starts where Lullaby finishes and Ali and Kovis start their journey in earnest to get to dream so they can confront her father and save Kennan.

Ali and Kovis' relationship is as awesome as ever as they learn to trust each other and let go. Their adventure to get to Dream is so entertaining, I loved it!

I want to see how Ali and Kennan develop in the next book as they obviously have issues from earlier in the series.

Ambien is the ultimate bad guy in this book and is so entertaining to read, to see what he is plotting and scheming next. I can't wait to read the next book in the series now!

[Daniela Ortiz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring as Hell. Half of this book is the journey to the dream place and the other is "defying" the father and too many, I repeat, TOO MANY, sexual cringey jokes. Also, shipping the sister swith the other boys for the sake of love is a very ACOTAR move, as if people can't be happy without a partner. Meh.

[Kimberly #Audiofile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ali and kovas are back
I love them together
Kovas grows so much in this book and I feel awful for Keenan he’s always kicked when he’s down.

Kovas and Ali’s relationship develops quick quickly in this book compared to the last books and the pit find their way back to dream realm to try and stop Ali’s father and save her sisters.

4 star listen I do really enjoy this series.

[Rachel Cass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved

I have really been enjoying this series! This book was so good, and I couldn't put it down! There was so much going on, and so many feels. I can't wait to read the final book!

[Georgia Tumbleweed McNabb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The MC's father is a real piece of work, using and abusing hid own children if they do not do everything he tells them to do. He is a Egomaniac and Narsisitic to the max, I definitely dislike him. Narrator does a very good job with the various characters voices and the entire storyline.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

See review for book 1

[My Khanh Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

It gets better as it goes along but ehhhhh, Kovis and Ali are too cute :)

[Gi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book gets better and better!! And the Dream world is very intriguin