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krisandburn's review
3.0
I finally finished this series and as a whole it has been a disappointing experience. I loved the first book, but none of the other tree were that great.
In regard to this one, I enjoyed it enough, but I had quite a lot of issues with it. Lyrik as a character, most of the time, but I just did not like the way Nicu was written. The way he was portrayed did not marry well with what he was doing, especially regarding his storyline with Lyrik. This was a gay romance that could have been so good, but instead it just fell a little flat.
The writing was a bit iffy as well. I kind of felt like I was reading a first draft and with a bit of editing or changing the wording this would have been a much better read. The sentences did not really flow and the phrasing sometimes felt off.
It was nice to see all the characters from the previous books, but it did feel a little forced.
I enjoyed it enough to keep this series on my shelves for now, but I am a bit disappointed.
In regard to this one, I enjoyed it enough, but I had quite a lot of issues with it. Lyrik as a character, most of the time, but I just did not like the way Nicu was written. The way he was portrayed did not marry well with what he was doing, especially regarding his storyline with Lyrik. This was a gay romance that could have been so good, but instead it just fell a little flat.
The writing was a bit iffy as well. I kind of felt like I was reading a first draft and with a bit of editing or changing the wording this would have been a much better read. The sentences did not really flow and the phrasing sometimes felt off.
It was nice to see all the characters from the previous books, but it did feel a little forced.
I enjoyed it enough to keep this series on my shelves for now, but I am a bit disappointed.
si0bhan's review
4.0
A Trick, a Dare, a Lie, and now a Dream. The Foolish Kingdoms series has been a delightful journey, and Dream ends it on a wonderful note.
When I started the Foolish Kingdoms series, I was a wee bit tentative. It was fun, yes, but I wasn’t completely obsessed in the way other people were. However, I was eager for more. With each new book, however, I was sucked deeper into the universe. By the time we reached Dream, I was desperate to see how everything came together.
With Dream, we get Nicu’s story. We’ve watched Nicu grow from the first book, yet it was Lie that left everyone eager for his story. We got to see elements of where Dream would take us but Lie did not prepare me for the story we were given. Dream gave us more than I’d expected, leaving me addicted from the first to the last page.
I confess, I was a tiny bit worried at first. Despite being sucked in deep from the start, there was a time early in the book where I feared the series would not be ending in a solid manner. You see, we focused heavily upon the romance, which left me worried. I did not mind this, I adored the relationship between the two, but I feared whether we would get a conclusion to the overall Foolish Kingdoms storyline.
Around the half way point, everything started to come together. The romance mixed in well with the overall series elements, and everything came together in the most glorious of ways. The romance continued in a beautiful manner and the world was brought together in a fabulous way. There were layers everywhere, so many things to unpick, and it was wonderful to watch.
I could say so much about this one, but I would never do it justice. All you need to know is Dream is the perfect conclusion to the Foolish Kingdoms series.
When I started the Foolish Kingdoms series, I was a wee bit tentative. It was fun, yes, but I wasn’t completely obsessed in the way other people were. However, I was eager for more. With each new book, however, I was sucked deeper into the universe. By the time we reached Dream, I was desperate to see how everything came together.
With Dream, we get Nicu’s story. We’ve watched Nicu grow from the first book, yet it was Lie that left everyone eager for his story. We got to see elements of where Dream would take us but Lie did not prepare me for the story we were given. Dream gave us more than I’d expected, leaving me addicted from the first to the last page.
I confess, I was a tiny bit worried at first. Despite being sucked in deep from the start, there was a time early in the book where I feared the series would not be ending in a solid manner. You see, we focused heavily upon the romance, which left me worried. I did not mind this, I adored the relationship between the two, but I feared whether we would get a conclusion to the overall Foolish Kingdoms storyline.
Around the half way point, everything started to come together. The romance mixed in well with the overall series elements, and everything came together in the most glorious of ways. The romance continued in a beautiful manner and the world was brought together in a fabulous way. There were layers everywhere, so many things to unpick, and it was wonderful to watch.
I could say so much about this one, but I would never do it justice. All you need to know is Dream is the perfect conclusion to the Foolish Kingdoms series.
chrisistrangerthanu's review
5.0
This book made me happy orange.
I know that shouldn't count as a review, but there it is. I feel like this book was a fitting conclusion to the series as a whole, a complete circle. I loved that we got to see nations change over time, but our focus was on Nicu managing to have the love story he would have been denied if the previous books hadn't happened. It was a magical ending to a really well done series.
I know that shouldn't count as a review, but there it is. I feel like this book was a fitting conclusion to the series as a whole, a complete circle. I loved that we got to see nations change over time, but our focus was on Nicu managing to have the love story he would have been denied if the previous books hadn't happened. It was a magical ending to a really well done series.
lynn_give_em_hel_vetica's review
4.0
This was a lovely book to finish out the series; it tied everything up very nicely. My third favorite of the series. And verily, if Poet and Briar ever want to make a reappearance in their own series, I would welcome that profoundly.
Nicu is precious and joyful and I love the way he thinks and dreams. The only thing that gave me slight pause was seeing him in an adult relationship. I can't help but feel much like Briar and Poet (feeling overly protective) and thinking no one is good enough for him. But in the end I suppose Lyrik proves himself worthy kinda sorta.
Lyrik's motivations became much more clear in this book, as they were quite muddled and hard to decipher previously. There were a few times I wanted to wallop him upside the head for being so awful to Nicu. He was so hot and cold it was infuriating, but now I am able to see his rationale.
I am infinitely happy to see the return of Briar and Poet. They make my soul sing and I love them so.
I'm quite well pleased to see everybody got their happily ever after and equally chuffed that they're all working towards making their kingdoms more tolerant. It's so wondrous to see a book with such inclusivity, proving that just because some people are different it doesn't make them lesser.
Later, they would flaunt the Royal event that everyone expected. The showy one where a boisterous population of thousands would crowd the Autumn streets, tossing maple leaves into the air and cheering. The extravagant one where the jester got to splurge, juggle—and wear a crown. Seasons help us. With Poet at the helm, that platinum day was going to stress the lot of us. As it was, we’d already been subjected to the planning for this intimate affair. In the past month, he’d been a high-maintenance brat to everyone within whining distance, lamenting about food, music, pastries, and his hair. Speaking of the bride from hell, Poet arrived.
Nicu is precious and joyful and I love the way he thinks and dreams. The only thing that gave me slight pause was seeing him in an adult relationship. I can't help but feel much like Briar and Poet (feeling overly protective) and thinking no one is good enough for him. But in the end I suppose Lyrik proves himself worthy kinda sorta.
He hummed to the flocked trees, to the fringed trees, to the frostbitten trees. Their needles threaded and shivered, his voice ruffling their edges, making them chuckle. Funny, since he’d been told that few things chuckled in this kingdom.
Lyrik's motivations became much more clear in this book, as they were quite muddled and hard to decipher previously. There were a few times I wanted to wallop him upside the head for being so awful to Nicu. He was so hot and cold it was infuriating, but now I am able to see his rationale.
Making me notice. Making me look at him, too. But what had made the biggest difference was his voice. It used to flutter like a butterfly, while I’d swatted the air like a jackass, trying to catch something too bright to be caught.
I am infinitely happy to see the return of Briar and Poet. They make my soul sing and I love them so.
“Ah, Your Majesty,” Poet said. “’Tis been months since I heard your vixen call.” Jeryn grimaced. “I suggest we forgo your compliments and break our fast.” “Such a pity, for you haven’t yet complimented me. Don’t I look ravishing? I wore this coat just for you.”
I'm quite well pleased to see everybody got their happily ever after and equally chuffed that they're all working towards making their kingdoms more tolerant. It's so wondrous to see a book with such inclusivity, proving that just because some people are different it doesn't make them lesser.
bookishlynerdy's review
5.0
Natalia Jaster did it once more.
She both broke my heart and revived me all in one book. Hell, one chapter.
Dream was a dream to read. Nicu has grown up so much since we first saw him in Trick and even more since Lie. Lyrik, well he’s always been a little bit of an asshole but an entirely lovable one and that totally comes through in this book. Lyrik sees very real upward change, though. He lets people, not just Nicu, in.
And Nicu really becomes his own person. There were already rumors of this in Lie and in this one we really see it come to fruition.
As for the fact that this one indicates that Foolish Kingdoms,the series, is over...well, it blew me away. It stood by itself, just like every book in this series. And just like every book in this series, they are undeniably connected. This one tied all those loose ends while leaving just enough to ignite the flames of fanfiction.
All four couples are present in this book and Natalia truly made it so that they are one giant family, united through the adversities that each of them faced. The way Jeryn and Poet interacted was hilarious.
Jeryn, the adorable scientist.
Poet, the original trickster.
Briar was the same princess we love.
Aspen, the fiery vixen.
Aire, the stalwart warrior.
Lyrik, the lovable rogue.
Nicu, the thread that ties them together.
And Flare. The gorgeous mad fool that started social change.
These eight people changed their world for the better. I just feel lucky enough to have been a witness to it. If you haven’t read this series, you should.
She both broke my heart and revived me all in one book. Hell, one chapter.
Dream was a dream to read. Nicu has grown up so much since we first saw him in Trick and even more since Lie. Lyrik, well he’s always been a little bit of an asshole but an entirely lovable one and that totally comes through in this book. Lyrik sees very real upward change, though. He lets people, not just Nicu, in.
And Nicu really becomes his own person. There were already rumors of this in Lie and in this one we really see it come to fruition.
As for the fact that this one indicates that Foolish Kingdoms,the series, is over...well, it blew me away. It stood by itself, just like every book in this series. And just like every book in this series, they are undeniably connected. This one tied all those loose ends while leaving just enough to ignite the flames of fanfiction.
All four couples are present in this book and Natalia truly made it so that they are one giant family, united through the adversities that each of them faced. The way Jeryn and Poet interacted was hilarious.
Jeryn, the adorable scientist.
Poet, the original trickster.
Briar was the same princess we love.
Aspen, the fiery vixen.
Aire, the stalwart warrior.
Lyrik, the lovable rogue.
Nicu, the thread that ties them together.
And Flare. The gorgeous mad fool that started social change.
These eight people changed their world for the better. I just feel lucky enough to have been a witness to it. If you haven’t read this series, you should.
candacerobinsonauthor's review
5.0
This conclusion to the series, is one I have literally dreamed of! Get it, DREAM? To have Nicu's story was like a freaking gift answered!
The thing about Nicu is he doesn't fit into a certain category that would be considered "normal." What Nicu is, though, is one of the most specialist characters I've ever encountered, and I feel like this story isn't only one about love, but it can relate for people in the real world.
Now, let's talk about major swoon! My man, my rogue—Lyrik! Absolutely loved him and reading from his POV chapters! While Nicu is sweet and lyrical, Lyrik is feisty and blunt and down right awesome. These two lit up the pages whether together or separated!
Let me just say that Jaster's writing is by far one of the best I've ever read, and I read a LOT of books! Her stories just bring emotion, and oohs and ahhs, and have my life organ pumping with happiness! This series is definitely one that will stay close to my heart!
The thing about Nicu is he doesn't fit into a certain category that would be considered "normal." What Nicu is, though, is one of the most specialist characters I've ever encountered, and I feel like this story isn't only one about love, but it can relate for people in the real world.
Now, let's talk about major swoon! My man, my rogue—Lyrik! Absolutely loved him and reading from his POV chapters! While Nicu is sweet and lyrical, Lyrik is feisty and blunt and down right awesome. These two lit up the pages whether together or separated!
Let me just say that Jaster's writing is by far one of the best I've ever read, and I read a LOT of books! Her stories just bring emotion, and oohs and ahhs, and have my life organ pumping with happiness! This series is definitely one that will stay close to my heart!
joharis's review
4.0
Que linda conclusión!
La autora creó un mundo con personajes muy reales que me hicieron enamorarme de su misión de hacer el mundo mejor para las personas con condiciones mentales. Me pareció excelente que la conclusión de esta serie siguiera al personaje que incitó toda la revolución que se hizo. La autora tiene una forma de escribir que verdaderamente captura la historia de una manera mágica y con mensajes muy positivos y que dan esperanza.
Que lindo fue a ver todos juntos pero también ver a NICU y como se da cuenta que aunque a veces se pierda eso está bien porque siempre volverá. Como no necesita a nadie y que aunque sea diferente él tiene sus fortalezas.
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La autora creó un mundo con personajes muy reales que me hicieron enamorarme de su misión de hacer el mundo mejor para las personas con condiciones mentales. Me pareció excelente que la conclusión de esta serie siguiera al personaje que incitó toda la revolución que se hizo. La autora tiene una forma de escribir que verdaderamente captura la historia de una manera mágica y con mensajes muy positivos y que dan esperanza.
Que lindo fue a ver todos juntos pero también ver a NICU y como se da cuenta que aunque a veces se pierda eso está bien porque siempre volverá. Como no necesita a nadie y que aunque sea diferente él tiene sus fortalezas.
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bookedeverynight's review
5.0
ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a fantastic, heart-wrenching and beautiful conclusion to the Foolish Kingdoms series and I could not get enough of it. The story of Lyric and Nicu is a sweet, intense romance. I devoured this story and know you will too.
Where do I even begin to start with this book? Dream is the fourth and final book of the Foolish Kingdoms series and follows the story of Lyrik and Nicu who are characters who featured prominently in the third book Lie. Three years after Lyrik left the Kingdom of Autumn, Nicu visits the Kingdom of Winter where Lyrik works for the crown. Seeing each other once again, unresolved feelings abound, and as the two search for a dream, other feelings are discovered, some that will enlarge hearts, others that threaten to break them apart from the inside out.
Lyrik and Nicu have such an amazing story and I love the way it is told, between the two perspectives. It’s harsh, overwhelming, gorgeous and intense and every scene with the two of them together makes you ache with feeling. I love seeing the two of them go back and forth between each other, I love Nicu’s dream speak and how Lyrik understands him, and I love that it’s not over the top, or unrealistic in the way their relationship unfolds. It’s intense and full on, but in all the best ways.
Nicu is the son of Poet, our main character from book one Trick and I love that you get to see him come into his own across the whole series, as he sets out to live his life and discover love and life in the Kingdom of Winter. This book tackles concepts like family, love, life, disabilities and more, and does it in a way that is careful and meaningful. I love that Nicu being a born-fool isn’t ignored, but it rather celebrated and further explored in this novel.
The writing is absolutely gorgeous (as is all of Natalia’s work), and the plot unfolds fantastically. I love that we get to see the whole series ensemble come back and play a big role in changing the world that they are living in. It is great to look back at this series and see where it has led to since the events of Trick, an ending that I really didn’t see coming but is so wonderful.
You get to see my favourites Trick and Briar, as well as Jeryn, Flare, Aspen and Aire. I like that you get so many nods to the other books and how it is just such a conclusive ending, but not one that has you rolling your eyes. It’s gorgeous and mystical and magical and truly perfect.
The Foolish Kingdoms series has stolen my heart and made me want nothing more than to travel to Mista and live there forever. Thank you Natalia for a series that has romance, fun, love and laughter. It has truly been a dream.
Recommended for: fantasy lovers, romance lovers, anyone who loves romantic tension. This story has a good amount of smut (a lot) so best to avoid if you don’t like that, or if under 17.
Quotes:
“‘So it begins, so it lasts.’ The ultimate vow in Winter.”
“Lyrik was a cyclone. An unpredictable blast of air that capsized Nicu, then caught him when he least expected it, kept him from falling.”
“Why did wants always come with unwants?”
“It made sense that he’d been singing about thieves. Because the sight of him finished me off, stealing the rest of my air.”
“Ink,” Paste remarked. “Now that is a mighty weapon.”
“He sang a carol about love, about many loves, about four loves. He sang about a foolish story, a dangerous story, a dishonest story, and a wishful story. He sang about a trick, and a dare, and a lie, and a dream.”
This book was a fantastic, heart-wrenching and beautiful conclusion to the Foolish Kingdoms series and I could not get enough of it. The story of Lyric and Nicu is a sweet, intense romance. I devoured this story and know you will too.
Where do I even begin to start with this book? Dream is the fourth and final book of the Foolish Kingdoms series and follows the story of Lyrik and Nicu who are characters who featured prominently in the third book Lie. Three years after Lyrik left the Kingdom of Autumn, Nicu visits the Kingdom of Winter where Lyrik works for the crown. Seeing each other once again, unresolved feelings abound, and as the two search for a dream, other feelings are discovered, some that will enlarge hearts, others that threaten to break them apart from the inside out.
Lyrik and Nicu have such an amazing story and I love the way it is told, between the two perspectives. It’s harsh, overwhelming, gorgeous and intense and every scene with the two of them together makes you ache with feeling. I love seeing the two of them go back and forth between each other, I love Nicu’s dream speak and how Lyrik understands him, and I love that it’s not over the top, or unrealistic in the way their relationship unfolds. It’s intense and full on, but in all the best ways.
Nicu is the son of Poet, our main character from book one Trick and I love that you get to see him come into his own across the whole series, as he sets out to live his life and discover love and life in the Kingdom of Winter. This book tackles concepts like family, love, life, disabilities and more, and does it in a way that is careful and meaningful. I love that Nicu being a born-fool isn’t ignored, but it rather celebrated and further explored in this novel.
The writing is absolutely gorgeous (as is all of Natalia’s work), and the plot unfolds fantastically. I love that we get to see the whole series ensemble come back and play a big role in changing the world that they are living in. It is great to look back at this series and see where it has led to since the events of Trick, an ending that I really didn’t see coming but is so wonderful.
You get to see my favourites Trick and Briar, as well as Jeryn, Flare, Aspen and Aire. I like that you get so many nods to the other books and how it is just such a conclusive ending, but not one that has you rolling your eyes. It’s gorgeous and mystical and magical and truly perfect.
The Foolish Kingdoms series has stolen my heart and made me want nothing more than to travel to Mista and live there forever. Thank you Natalia for a series that has romance, fun, love and laughter. It has truly been a dream.
Recommended for: fantasy lovers, romance lovers, anyone who loves romantic tension. This story has a good amount of smut (a lot) so best to avoid if you don’t like that, or if under 17.
Quotes:
“‘So it begins, so it lasts.’ The ultimate vow in Winter.”
“Lyrik was a cyclone. An unpredictable blast of air that capsized Nicu, then caught him when he least expected it, kept him from falling.”
“Why did wants always come with unwants?”
“It made sense that he’d been singing about thieves. Because the sight of him finished me off, stealing the rest of my air.”
“Ink,” Paste remarked. “Now that is a mighty weapon.”
“He sang a carol about love, about many loves, about four loves. He sang about a foolish story, a dangerous story, a dishonest story, and a wishful story. He sang about a trick, and a dare, and a lie, and a dream.”