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ivyhaunts's review against another edition
5.0
This was a genuinely fantastic and horrifying read. I fully enjoyed it and was completely engrossed in the story. A plague, a princess, and a horrifying mystery.
I actually couldn’t put it down and would highly recommend this novel.
I actually couldn’t put it down and would highly recommend this novel.
ladygeekface_'s review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
A gothic, YA story involving plagues, corruption, madness, and vampires.
My favorite thing about this book was probably the setting - love the gothic castle vibe. I also loved that it took place in the aftermath of the plague instead of the beginning or middle. You got a feel for the devastation and chaos something like that would bring.
The love interests complement each other well, and I like that Seraphina is not afraid to go after what she wants. I could have used more romance time between the characters - felt a bit rushed. I'd probably go 5 stars if not for that. Also had a bit too much of the "not like other girls" trope.
I had no idea going in that this was a nod to The Masque of the Red Death, but I think it did a good job. It was also cool to have that history of antisemitism related to plagues in there.
All in all, a good book that I'd recommend to vampire and gothic YA lovers.
A gothic, YA story involving plagues, corruption, madness, and vampires.
My favorite thing about this book was probably the setting - love the gothic castle vibe. I also loved that it took place in the aftermath of the plague instead of the beginning or middle. You got a feel for the devastation and chaos something like that would bring.
The love interests complement each other well, and I like that Seraphina is not afraid to go after what she wants. I could have used more romance time between the characters - felt a bit rushed. I'd probably go 5 stars if not for that. Also had a bit too much of the "not like other girls" trope.
I had no idea going in that this was a nod to The Masque of the Red Death, but I think it did a good job. It was also cool to have that history of antisemitism related to plagues in there.
All in all, a good book that I'd recommend to vampire and gothic YA lovers.
mallowmelt_butterblasts's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
danimae1981's review against another edition
4.0
A Multitude of Dreams was an interesting blend of genres. It’s a young adult book with a post-apocalyptic dystopia feel mixed with fantasy, action and a dash of romance along the way.
The story follows the points-of-view of 2 characters, Seraphina and Nico. In the aftermath of a terrible disease, both characters are living very different lives from what they were before. Seraphina is Jewish, and lived in an area where Jewish people were separated from the rest of the population - this book actually dives into the persecution of Jews, much like what happened in real history. When the king’s favorite daughter, Imogen, dies from the disease, the other princesses take Seraphina to live as the princess since she looks remarkably similar. For 4 years she has been stuck in the castle as the king will not allow anyone to leave. Meanwhile, Nico lived a life with some status though his mother. But with his entire family dead from the sickness, he now works as a servant for a nobleman named Crane. On the surface Crane seems like a good enough man, but soon Nico starts to suspect that things are not quite what they seem.
Several chapters in, the book takes a turn into a more paranormal/fantasy feel, which I didn’t necessarily see coming, but it adds an interesting twist to the story that gives it a sinister feel. It also leads to a lot of thrills and action.
Overall, this book was an enjoyable read that kept me engaged and wanting to read more. I liked both of the main characters and felt they were well-developed and learn a lot about themselves over the course of the story. The world created in the book was interesting and immersive.
Thank you to Inkyard Press for the free copy of this book, which I won through a BookishFirst raffle. All opinions expressed in my review are completely my own.
The story follows the points-of-view of 2 characters, Seraphina and Nico. In the aftermath of a terrible disease, both characters are living very different lives from what they were before. Seraphina is Jewish, and lived in an area where Jewish people were separated from the rest of the population - this book actually dives into the persecution of Jews, much like what happened in real history. When the king’s favorite daughter, Imogen, dies from the disease, the other princesses take Seraphina to live as the princess since she looks remarkably similar. For 4 years she has been stuck in the castle as the king will not allow anyone to leave. Meanwhile, Nico lived a life with some status though his mother. But with his entire family dead from the sickness, he now works as a servant for a nobleman named Crane. On the surface Crane seems like a good enough man, but soon Nico starts to suspect that things are not quite what they seem.
Several chapters in, the book takes a turn into a more paranormal/fantasy feel, which I didn’t necessarily see coming, but it adds an interesting twist to the story that gives it a sinister feel. It also leads to a lot of thrills and action.
Overall, this book was an enjoyable read that kept me engaged and wanting to read more. I liked both of the main characters and felt they were well-developed and learn a lot about themselves over the course of the story. The world created in the book was interesting and immersive.
Thank you to Inkyard Press for the free copy of this book, which I won through a BookishFirst raffle. All opinions expressed in my review are completely my own.
thelittlestlibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
I didn’t realize that this was a Poe retelling until the end! It was amazingly well written and I read it so quickly. Seraphina as an imposter princess was a fantastic plot device and the romance with Nico was so sweet. I loved Nico’s character the most. He’s so kind and tries to do the right thing and he cares about the people around him so much. The ultimate soft masculinity. I felt like I was in the castle with how well it was described. Very well done!
linara4522's review against another edition
2.0
DNF at 82%
I couldn't even push through to the end. The plot was nonsensical. The character dynamics weren't mature enough, nullifying their new found motivations, and that revelation was just plain stupid. If only Seraphina had had two working braincells... She could've avoided a hella lot of trouble, and I mean most of the characters think like children. There's no ounce of intelligence anywhere.
2 stars because ut had prette writing
I couldn't even push through to the end. The plot was nonsensical. The character dynamics weren't mature enough, nullifying their new found motivations, and that revelation was just plain stupid. If only Seraphina had had two working braincells... She could've avoided a hella lot of trouble, and I mean most of the characters think like children. There's no ounce of intelligence anywhere.
2 stars because ut had prette writing
nanaya's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
graceannee's review against another edition
I went in expecting a medievalesque dystopia. The plot ended up being more brigerton with vampires. I found it far too graphic for my taste.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, and Cannibalism