(Review #393)
I’ve read “A River Enchanted” duology, also by Rebecca Ross, which has a much different vibe & prose than this one. I gave “Dreams Lie Beneath” a 4.9/5 stars. This clean YA fantasy stand-alone was all written in one point of view from Clementine and was a smooth read with a great plot.
Here’s my live thoughts while reading:
The map is beautiful. And I see a Book of Nightmares? Yes, please!
The main character and vibe immediately reminds me of a recent read, Forgery of Roses.
What makes certain creatures cast their original forms in the reflection of mirrors?
What battle happens during the new moon?
How does Clementine record the nightmares?
Does the book collect and store them once recording so they don’t come true?
Will her father be well enough to help her or will she face the new moon alone for the first time?
What purpose do the seven cards have?
Who are these stranger magicians who may have come to challenge Clementine’s father.
Now we have a new story with the heiress, the lady in waiting, the advisor, the guard, and the spy mistress too.
I was not expecting these turn of events when Clementine sacrificed (spoiler) to gain (spoiler) from the troll. After part 1 it looks like this may be a revenge of sorts story?
On page 222 when she admits to never being able to go back to how things had been before, I’m confused as to why she continues her plan if she truly believes this.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
At the halfway point I have so many questions.
Who is the knight?
Why is he there?
Why did the battle change unexpectedly?
What is the Duke hiding?
Why was her father protecting the troll?
What does the Lady want with the troll?
Why did Olivitte have the same belt?
Oh man. The end of part 2 was GREATLY done!
I have 2 small reasons why this is rated a 4.9/5 instead of 5. I wanted a little more tension in the romance & the climatic nightmares could’ve been a tiny bit more dramatic. Otherwise this book is right up my alley.