Reviewed: January 26th, 2022
Released: November 2nd, 2021
Genre: YA Fantasy
The realm of Azenor has spent years plagued by a curse. Every new moon, magic flows from the nearby mountain and brings nightmares to life. Only magicians—who serve as territory wardens—stand between people and their worst dreams.
Clementine Madigan is ready to take over as the warden of her small town, but when two magicians arrive to challenge her, she is unknowingly drawn into a century-old conflict. She seeks revenge, but as she gets closer to Phelan, one of the handsome young magicians, secrets—as well as romance—begins to rise.
To fight the realm’s curse, which seems to be haunting her every turn, Clementine must unite with her rival. But will their efforts be enough to save Azenor from the nightmares that lurk around every corner?
Helen’s thoughts: 5/5
So this was one of the books from my christmas haul in Canada, and I sat down to read it yersterday evening as a break from writing and read it in one sitting!
A wonderful blend of magic, curses, mysteries and love. Such a beautifully written book, wending its way through a tortured past which is about to catch up with those trying to escape it.
Ross has created a vibrant world with wardens to fight the nightmares that roam the streets every new moon. We meet Clementine, who is hoping to take over as warden of Hereswith from her ailing father, only to find her claim challenged, and when the unthinkable happens, we see the inner steel that will drive her reclaim her life.
An engaging cast of characters will have you flip flopping as to who you can trust and what they actually want, and it will have you guessing all the way to the end as the machinations continue to rumble on. Clementine is a wilful heroine who you will sympathise with from the very beginning and the Vespers brothers will have you grinding your teeth.
Great read, highly recommended. The book is delightful, down to the lovely decorations at the begining of each chapter, the gorgeous cover, and the rough cut page edges giving it that aged feel.
About the author:
Rebecca Ross writes fantasy novels for teens and adults. She lives in the Appalachian foothills of Northeast Georgia with her husband, their lively Australian Shepherd, and an endless pile of books. THE QUEEN’S RISING, THE QUEEN’S RESISTANCE, SISTERS OF SWORD & SONG, and DREAMS LIE BENEATH are her titles for young adult readers. A RIVER ENCHANTED is her adult fantasy debut, publishing February 15, 2022 with a sequel to follow. When not writing, she can be found reading or in her garden, where she grows wildflowers and story ideas. Find her on Instagram @beccajross or online at http://www.rebeccarossauthor.com.
Available for purchase via Amazon: Dreams Lie Beneath
Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Hardcover | Audiobook
Link to book on Amazon US: Hardcover
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my books which are available in eBook or paperback: Book One: Sentinals Awaken. Book Two: Sentinals Rising. Book Three: Sentinals Justice. Book 3.5: Sentinals Recovery. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Helen Garraway 