Book Review: A Multitude of Dreams by Mara Rutherford

Rating: ★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy Romance
Length: 384 pages
Author: Mara Rutherford
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Release Date: August 29th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The bloody plague is finally past, but what fresh horror lies in its wake?

Princess Imogen of Goslind has lived a sheltered life for three years at the boarded-up castle—she and the rest of its inhabitants safe from the bloody mori roja plague that’s ravaged the kingdom. But Princess Imogen has a secret, and as King Stuart descends further into madness, it’s at great risk of being revealed. Rations dwindle each day, and unhappy murmurings threaten to crack the facade of the years-long charade being played within the castle walls.

Nico Mott once enjoyed a comfortable life of status, but the plague took everyone and everything from him. If not for the generosity of a nearby lord, Nico may not have survived the mori roja’s aftermath. But does owing Lord Crane his life mean he owes him his silence?

When Lord Crane sends Nico to search for more plague survivors in the castle, Nico collides with a princess who wants to break out. They will each have to navigate the web of lies they’ve woven if they’re going to survive the nightmares that lie ahead.

KIND OF FORGETTABLE.

I read this book two days ago and as I’m sitting here trying to write this review I am remembering very little. It just kind of happened and I’ve already moved on?

The gothic vibes were there and I did like those. There’s a hidden identity trope and that’s always a favorite of mine. Waiting for the two points of view to collide was good and some of the world development was there. Though I don’t think the intention of the story worked well in this pure fantasy vs. a historical fantasy.

Otherwise, I think a lot of execution was lacking. I don’t totally get the vampire/zombie thing. I wasn’t invested in the romance and with it being a shorter standalone I just needed more.

Overall audience notes: