Of Withering Dreams is the first book in the Fate of the Embered series and follows Seryn, a young woman worried about her realm decaying while simultaneously discovering her real identity.
I thought the idea of the Dormancy, where the physical body is in a magically induced slumber through Autumn and Winter to conserve dwindling resources, and where the spiritual body goes during that time was refreshingly original.
The Magic system in this book is unique and I was fascinated to see what Seryn’s new found power was and what she could do with it. I’m looking forward to that being expanded on in the second book.
The first quarter of this book is heavy on world building and there is a lot of detail to read, which was initially a little overwhelming, but it did provide a really good visual image of the world and the people in it.
The main characters of Seryn and her best friends Kaden and Gavrel were all engaging, as were the secondary characters, and I was invested in them and their friendship as they found themselves fighting to protect their realm. I’m hoping there is more character development in the next book along with the banter I enjoyed in this book.
Overall this is a great debut fantasy novel where dreams and nightmares collide and nothing is as it seems.
– friends to lovers
– morally grey characters
– unique magic system
– monster creatures
– portals and cursed lands
– #teamgavrel
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Publisher: Wicked Dreamers Books
Format: eBook
ISBN: B0DW8RHLH5
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Here’s the synopsis
DREAMS DECAY.
The Dormancy was meant to be the mortal realm’s salvation. From autumn to spring, citizens must enter a magically induced slumber to conserve dwindling resources. The divine Ancients, who gifted mortals magic, disappeared long ago, leaving humanity at the mercy of the Elders. These powerful and elusive oligarchs have one motto: “Through Dormancy, we blossom!” Yet, this seems more like a cruel jest than a promise.
For Seryn, this Dormancy will change everything. Except for the little details… you know, like her realm progressively decaying and people vanishing. As the threads of reality unravel, she soon discovers her hidden identity as a Druik, one who wields magic. But her abilities are… unusual. Unpredictable.
DESIRES BLOOM.
While her inherited powers bloom, so do her desires for her charming best friend, Kaden. She wouldn’t dream of risking their friendship, but the Fates can’t be bothered with mortal dreams.
DESTINY UNRAVELS.
Navigating a treacherous path where dreams and nightmares blur, Seryn must confront haunting truths. Her newfound courage and magic might be the key to saving her realm, but will they be enough when even dreams can wither into oblivion?
What Caz Read 