Reviews

Well of Dreams by Kayla Ann

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lcliterature's review against another edition

5.0

Go ahead and buy this book before you even read this review. It’s seriously that good! This YA slow burn fantasy novel was gifted to me by the author as an ARC and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be one of the first to read Well of Dreams. Every detail from the bond between sisters to the god-like powers of the main characters had me hooked from the very beginning. Kayla Ann does not shy away from heartbreaking scenes in this book but makes up for it by the complete badassery and sheer will of her characters. Told from the perspectives of Larissa and Darian, there is a hint of romance that develops throughout the plot that had me smiling and giggling like a teenager again. I seriously cannot wait for this series to continue

trish1993's review against another edition

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5.0

This book was absolutely amazing!! Kayla did an amazing job of bringing these characters to life and I literally cannot wait for book 2 I highly recommend this book to everyone! Just fantastic I literally couldn’t put it down!

hauntedbooknook's review against another edition

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5.0

Absolutely excellent! The planning and depth put into the world is stunning and the writing is superb. Definitely excited to read more.

liza's review

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Thank you to Kayla Ann for the Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! This book is dual pov, fantasy, and has beautiful illustrations.

I did not know what to expect going into this book and I'm sure all the fantasy readers know that still was not clear until a decent amount of chapters in to this read. However, once it started to pick up it did not stop. This novel was more intense than most thrillers, I was on the edge of my seat wondering when the next paint filled moment would be.

The main character, Larissa is painfully human. There are so many moments where she surprises me with her response but I always completely understand them, if I was in her position I would have the exact same reaction if not worse. She surprises me so much with how loyal and determined she is in protecting her sister, Halla, even at the expense of others and herself. Seeing how much she changes as her whole world flips upside down is raw and beautiful. I cannot wait to see her grow more in the second book and see how she bonds more with the other characters!

I have high expectations for the rest of this series and for what it can be!

Content Warnings

goodeyreads's review against another edition

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medium-paced

5.0

Thank you to the author for a gifted copy!

FANTASTIC DEBUT.

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This is your sign to take a chance on debut indie authors. I loved this book y’all.

I’m not a big dystopian fan, but this felt different. It was a subtle dystopian vibe mixed with all things Norse mythology and I loved the combination. There’s intense moments, dark creatures and a past that’s trying to find it’s way to the present.

I love the multiple POV’s and how it kept the pace going. There’s a lot of flashbacks that helped build the story and once I started clicking pieces into place I became increasingly invested in knowing the full scope of what happened. I really like all of these characters too and can’t wait to see how the story continues to unfurl.

There’s a romance sub-plot I am absolutely here for. I loved the reveals and the writing was wonderful. The paperback edition I received had gorgeous art throughout too and I loved being able to get a better picture of the cast. I’m genuinely excited to see what’s next!

Overall audience notes:
- YA Dystopian Fantasy
- Language: low
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of life, near death experiences, weapons violence

tyleahsbooks's review against another edition

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4.0

This is a phenomenal debut novel. I enjoyed the magic mixed with the mythology in the more modern setting. The FMC was strong, set on what was important to her. She took the stage. The MMC was sweet and tender but a bit forgettable although I think that will change in the coming books. The other relationships were endearing and exciting to unfold layer by layer. Hooked from the start, I was surprised at how well the author maintained tension without speed racing through some of the slower plot points. There were a few things that weren’t my absolute favorite but overall, I’m excited to see what happens in the next book!

whatmorgsreads's review against another edition

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5.0

First, thank you so much to the author for my ARC of Well of Dreams. I have watched her journey for so long on Booksta and getting chosen to receive ab ARC was such an honor!

I fell in love with Larissa and Halla instantly. Their sisterly bond was truly beautiful. They encounter some hard obstacles, but together they make quite a team.

Our girl Larissa had some things to work through and throughout the story we get to really experience the growth of her character. I really loved the support she had from Anara, Darien and Halla even when she didn’t have the best attitude about her situation.

The world was incredibly well thought out. I felt like I was in the story with the characters. There is lots of action and twists that keep the story interesting. I really can’t wait to see where this story will go in book 2!

If you need more convincing - the illustrations in the book are amazing!