Synopsis: The Kingdom of Noctis is plagued by Corruption: a curse that spreads through dreaming. The Shadow Bringer rules from his castle in the Dream Realm, stealing souls one dreamer at a time. Only an elixir, taken every night before sleeping, can ward off the dreams and halt Corruption. But for some, the allure of the Dream Realm proves too strong. Esmer Havenfall desperately wants to escape her dreadful village. When her sister, Eden, succumbs to Corruption and their elixir-dealing parents are accused of a horrific crime, Esmer’s life unravels into a nightmare. Then she dreams of the Shadow Bringer and learns that his sinister magic might be a part of her, too. Enticed by the prospect of ending her kingdom’s curse and avenging her family, Esmer follows him deeper within the Dream Realm. But the prince of darkness has a haunted past, one that might change the fate of Esmer’s kingdom–and her heart–forever.

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This is a very vivid and immersive tale, and I was drawn into the story early on. Esmer is a good character, though she has much self doubt and a deep secret that keeps filling her with guilt. It tethers much of her strength and self worth in the earlier parts of the story.

When she first meets The Shadow Bringer in a dream, he's as dark and intimidating as she believed he'd be, but he's also haunted and tormented by his own personal demons, demons which Esmer assumed were working for him to steal the souls of dreamers.

When she wakes from her dream, she tells the Light Bringer, a godlike, religious character, about the dream and where she thinks they can find the Shadow Bringer to destroy him. The Light Bringer is willing to let her show him where to find him, but does not trust her, and still holds her accountable for the crimes committed by her parents.

Each time Esmer dreams, she lands back in the Shadow Bringer's kingdom, and reality begins to get a bit confusing for her. The things she'd been taught or read about the Shadow Bringer are not the way things are in his kingdom, though that does not stop her from trying to bring him down and avenge her family.

The more time she spends with the Shadow Bringer, the more Esmer realizes that, not only is there much more to him, there is also more to her, like when she gets scared or upset she can channel his dark power of shadows and use them to her advantage. Their connection grows stronger, as do her feelings for him, yet she still tries to destroy him every chance she gets, causing her many conflicting emotions.

Can Esmer overcome her fear, self doubt and guilt to see the real truth in her world? Can the Shadow Bringer break his curse and finally be free of his castle prison? Can they work together to save the souls of the dreamers and mankind before the demons overrun the land or will they be the reason the demons take over?

I didn't realize it when I started reading this book that it was part one in a duology, but I'm now hanging on the edge of my seat, waiting for part two to arrive, so I can find out all the juicy details of how the author concludes the tale.

I really enjoyed this book, and the richness of the world and character building the author infused throughout the story.

A note about the DELUXE LIMITED EDITION: The page edges are stenciled and colored and the cover sleeve is foiled and embossed. It's a lovely edition for those who like a little flair on their books. ~~ Dee Astell