A review by zahraaloujain
Drown Me with Dreams by Gabi Burton

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Drown Me with Dreams takes readers on an emotional journey of growth, love, and resilience as it explores themes of trust, betrayal, and redemption. Gabi Burton’s sophomore novel builds beautifully on the foundation of her debut, delivering a captivating sequel that is rich in character development and emotional intensity. 
 
Burton has a gift for crafting complex, flawed characters, and in Drown Me with Dreams, her portrayal of Hayes and Saoirse is a testament to her ability to create emotionally resonant relationships. Hayes, with his innate kindness and loyalty, is an absolute gem, embodying warmth and empathy despite a life lacking love and nurturing. He stands as a testament to resilience, and his love for Saoirse is unwavering, showing readers what it means to love deeply and with complete acceptance. His patience and acceptance towards Saoirse’s flaws create a dynamic that feels genuinely healing. 

“He’s patient when I don’t deserve it. Understanding when I’m rash. Kind when he doesn’t have to be. Funny and charming and self-reflective and thoughtful and passionate and warm and beautiful, all around, and I would rather have an eternity of chaos with him by my side than peace without him.
If he never forgives me after this, I won’t blame him. But at least I’ll know I saved his life.
”
 
“You could do anything, say anything, break me time and time again, and the pieces left of me would crawl their way back to you.”

Saoiras, on the other hand, is one of the most compelling heroines to emerge in recent fantasy fiction. Her journey is filled with moments of vulnerability, doubt, and growth as she learns to overcome her survival instincts, open her heart, and let herself be loved. Burton expertly navigates Saoirse’s complex emotional landscape, capturing the challenge of balancing loyalty and forgiveness in her friendship with Carrik. Her struggle with betrayal and conflicted loyalty feels deeply authentic, and Burton captures these internal conflicts with a realism that is refreshing. 

“You’re treating Hayes like he’s just another man you have to trick to do your bidding. He’s not. He loves you. You don’t have to manipulate him. Just ask.” 
 
“[…] there’s more to my relationship with Carrik than forgiveness—or lack thereof. I don’t need to forgive him to understand his rage. It’s the same anger that’s been festering in me for just about as long as I can remember.”
 
Burton may not yet be a master of prose, but her skill lies in her ability to create beautifully developed characters whose journeys resonate on a deeply emotional level. She portrays complex relationships with such nuance that readers are fully invested, whether it’s in Saoirse’s moments of internal conflict, her fragile friendship with Carrik, or her blossoming love with Hayes. By the end, it’s impossible not to feel connected to the characters and the richly emotional world Burton has created. 

“Lying is instinct. For so long, it’s been necessary for survival. But I don’t have to lie to Hayes. No matter what faults he finds with me—and there are several—he loves me.”
 
As a debut series, Drown Me with Dreams not only fulfills its promise but exceeds expectations, deserving a solid 5-star rating. This novel cements Gabi Burton as an author to watch, and I eagerly anticipate seeing where her talent takes her in future works. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings