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daniella84's review
3.0
Similar to Those Who Prey, a solid read but one that I don't know will particularly stick with me.
I liked how our characters had nuance and weren't just pure good or evil, especially Annalise who genuinely cared about the kingdom but just went about everything in the wrong way. Sadly, though, I didn't feel super connected to the characters or the plot. The central mystery felt pretty obvious from the beginning so you spent the rest of the book waiting for the characters to catch up, and the romantic elements especially felt underdeveloped.
I feel this would be a good read for those making the jump from young fiction to YA, as it is pretty easy to follow and has a lot of the things we love to see in YA (quests, magic, prophecies, correcting injustice). If I had read this when I was younger I probably would have really loved it, but sadly didn't find myself getting as invested in this as I hoped.
I liked how our characters had nuance and weren't just pure good or evil, especially Annalise who genuinely cared about the kingdom but just went about everything in the wrong way. Sadly, though, I didn't feel super connected to the characters or the plot. The central mystery felt pretty obvious from the beginning so you spent the rest of the book waiting for the characters to catch up, and the romantic elements especially felt underdeveloped.
I feel this would be a good read for those making the jump from young fiction to YA, as it is pretty easy to follow and has a lot of the things we love to see in YA (quests, magic, prophecies, correcting injustice). If I had read this when I was younger I probably would have really loved it, but sadly didn't find myself getting as invested in this as I hoped.
lookingforamandaa's review
4.0
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an early copy of this book. I love Tracy Banghart. I’ve met her at an author event and we spent like an hour talking, so I love to read and support her work.
A Season of Sinister Dreams follows two main characters, Annalise and Evra. Annalise is the grandniece to the King and cousin to the prince. But she has secrets that she would do anything to protect. Evra is a country girl. She’s worried that she’ll never have any magic and the people in her town are starting to treat her differently. But Evra starts having visions that mean the kingdom is in danger. She’s this generations Clearsee. The Clearsee’s only appear once in a generation, and only when the kingdom is in danger. Evra must travel to court to meet with the king and inform him that she has been revealed as this generations Clearsee.
Evra and Annalise meet at court. But since we’re seeing things from both points of view, we know things that the other characters don’t. I think this fact made the story infinitely better. Knowing that there were secrets to be revealed and knowing what those secrets were kept me engaged into the story. Wondering how each of the characters were going to react when the truth finally came out was a really great way to add some suspense to the story.
Now, I really loved Evra. She’s a girl that loves her family. She loves her kingdom. And she’s willing to do her duty as Clearsee despite the fact that she disagrees with many of the things the king has ordered for the people. She’s taking her responsibility seriously and she does her best to make the right choices, the choices that will help the most people. The author really did her dirty with some of the things that happen, but I really loved Evra.
Annalise was a fascinating character. I wanted to hate her so badly, but I just couldn’t. I liked her. Her backstory pulled on my heartstrings. Because we got to see things from her point of view, we know that some events were complete accidents. We get to see the other side of the story which made it easier to sympathize with Annalise, even though she was in the wrong. I didn’t want to like Annalise at all, but I couldn’t help it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It’s a short, political fantasy that follows two strong women. I liked the politics. I liked the bits of romance we got. I liked the different kinds of magic there was to see. I just genuinely enjoyed this book.
A Season of Sinister Dreams follows two main characters, Annalise and Evra. Annalise is the grandniece to the King and cousin to the prince. But she has secrets that she would do anything to protect. Evra is a country girl. She’s worried that she’ll never have any magic and the people in her town are starting to treat her differently. But Evra starts having visions that mean the kingdom is in danger. She’s this generations Clearsee. The Clearsee’s only appear once in a generation, and only when the kingdom is in danger. Evra must travel to court to meet with the king and inform him that she has been revealed as this generations Clearsee.
Evra and Annalise meet at court. But since we’re seeing things from both points of view, we know things that the other characters don’t. I think this fact made the story infinitely better. Knowing that there were secrets to be revealed and knowing what those secrets were kept me engaged into the story. Wondering how each of the characters were going to react when the truth finally came out was a really great way to add some suspense to the story.
Now, I really loved Evra. She’s a girl that loves her family. She loves her kingdom. And she’s willing to do her duty as Clearsee despite the fact that she disagrees with many of the things the king has ordered for the people. She’s taking her responsibility seriously and she does her best to make the right choices, the choices that will help the most people. The author really did her dirty with some of the things that happen, but I really loved Evra.
Annalise was a fascinating character. I wanted to hate her so badly, but I just couldn’t. I liked her. Her backstory pulled on my heartstrings. Because we got to see things from her point of view, we know that some events were complete accidents. We get to see the other side of the story which made it easier to sympathize with Annalise, even though she was in the wrong. I didn’t want to like Annalise at all, but I couldn’t help it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It’s a short, political fantasy that follows two strong women. I liked the politics. I liked the bits of romance we got. I liked the different kinds of magic there was to see. I just genuinely enjoyed this book.
thindbooks's review
4.0
*This arc was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*
I liked reading this book! This book is about two girls from different worlds who have the same plan to save their kingdoms with their powers. I am a huge fan of Tracy as her Grace and Fury duology was so good and this one didn't disappoint! This is different from that duology but was still a great read. I enjoyed the world-building in this book with a well-structured storyline. The story was fast-paced which I enjoyed and had many twists and turns that didn't keep the story boring. Everything about the writing part was well done and I was shocked with how the author managed to finish a fantasy story in a standalone novel. Most fantasies I read are series so I enjoyed this quick fantasy read.
This book is written in two povs, Annalise and Evra. I enjoyed Annalise's character as she is a morally grey character and has powerful magic whereas Evra is complex but has powers that she needs to learn more about. I enjoyed both character's character development as I thought it was well done. I also enjoyed the side characters in this book with their character development but I wish there were more characters. I felt that Analise and Evra took up most of the story which makes sense as they are the main characters but I would also like to see the side characters more involved. There is also romance in this book but it kind of lacked in the story and I wish there was more of it.
I have to say that the ending was very well done and ended right where it should have. Overall I just enjoyed the theme of how women are powerful and can take the throne without needing a man. There were some minor problems with this book like with the characters and the romance but overall this was a wonderfully written book. I will for sure be reading Tracy's next books along the way as she is such an amazing author who writes wonderful fantasy stories with royalty. I recommend this book to fans of Furyborn and A Sweet and Bitter Magic.
I liked reading this book! This book is about two girls from different worlds who have the same plan to save their kingdoms with their powers. I am a huge fan of Tracy as her Grace and Fury duology was so good and this one didn't disappoint! This is different from that duology but was still a great read. I enjoyed the world-building in this book with a well-structured storyline. The story was fast-paced which I enjoyed and had many twists and turns that didn't keep the story boring. Everything about the writing part was well done and I was shocked with how the author managed to finish a fantasy story in a standalone novel. Most fantasies I read are series so I enjoyed this quick fantasy read.
This book is written in two povs, Annalise and Evra. I enjoyed Annalise's character as she is a morally grey character and has powerful magic whereas Evra is complex but has powers that she needs to learn more about. I enjoyed both character's character development as I thought it was well done. I also enjoyed the side characters in this book with their character development but I wish there were more characters. I felt that Analise and Evra took up most of the story which makes sense as they are the main characters but I would also like to see the side characters more involved. There is also romance in this book but it kind of lacked in the story and I wish there was more of it.
I have to say that the ending was very well done and ended right where it should have. Overall I just enjoyed the theme of how women are powerful and can take the throne without needing a man. There were some minor problems with this book like with the characters and the romance but overall this was a wonderfully written book. I will for sure be reading Tracy's next books along the way as she is such an amazing author who writes wonderful fantasy stories with royalty. I recommend this book to fans of Furyborn and A Sweet and Bitter Magic.
soracine's review
5.0
A magic thriller/adventure novel with a touch of mystery with a wolf (!) and strong female protagonists? Yes please!
Ending was a little disappointing, I feel like they were too lenient on Annalise, but I guess it was only for Kendrick’s benefit. Extremely well written, worldbuilding was done well but not overdone to the point where I got bored of the description. Such good writing, great detail and word use without being taxing to read. I loved the parallels between the upbringings of Annalise and Evra and how they went different directions in life despite it. Love how their trauma served as their motivation but didn’t dissipate once their desire for revenge/vengeance ran out. Just the right amount of romance, it’s set up clearly to happen and is sweet and welcome, not superfluous. Only thing I don’t like is something about the cover: the wolf’s eyes being golden is very important to the plot but in the cover, the rest of the wolf is golden and the eyes are red, which convery danger or alarm.
Ending was a little disappointing, I feel like they were too lenient on Annalise, but I guess it was only for Kendrick’s benefit. Extremely well written, worldbuilding was done well but not overdone to the point where I got bored of the description. Such good writing, great detail and word use without being taxing to read. I loved the parallels between the upbringings of Annalise and Evra and how they went different directions in life despite it. Love how their trauma served as their motivation but didn’t dissipate once their desire for revenge/vengeance ran out. Just the right amount of romance, it’s set up clearly to happen and is sweet and welcome, not superfluous. Only thing I don’t like is something about the cover: the wolf’s eyes being golden is very important to the plot but in the cover, the rest of the wolf is golden and the eyes are red, which convery danger or alarm.
mythian's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Death
spookynerd13's review
3.0
I was given this ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Evra discovers she has the power of sight, past, future, and present, and it is her duty to protect the kingdom with her gift. Annalise, who is the king's niece, has power no one expects, but after making a horrible mistake, she is terrified someone will find out about what she can do. These two girls come together in court, and even though they both have the goal of protecting the kingdom, they don't trust each other. Mistakes are made, and vengeance is the name of the game.
This book was just okay for me. I really didn't love either of the main characters, and I just felt the overall pace of the book was pretty slow. There were some cool parts, and their powers were really good concepts, but the pace, the plot, the characters, the climax, the plot twists... they were all just kind of bland. I can see other people liking this book, it just wasn't as exciting as I was wanting it to be.
Evra discovers she has the power of sight, past, future, and present, and it is her duty to protect the kingdom with her gift. Annalise, who is the king's niece, has power no one expects, but after making a horrible mistake, she is terrified someone will find out about what she can do. These two girls come together in court, and even though they both have the goal of protecting the kingdom, they don't trust each other. Mistakes are made, and vengeance is the name of the game.
This book was just okay for me. I really didn't love either of the main characters, and I just felt the overall pace of the book was pretty slow. There were some cool parts, and their powers were really good concepts, but the pace, the plot, the characters, the climax, the plot twists... they were all just kind of bland. I can see other people liking this book, it just wasn't as exciting as I was wanting it to be.
danieneverwhere's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
missprint_'s review
3.0
Still grieving the death of his son and heir during the Sickness years earlier, the elderly king of Tyne forces all magic workers to the capital where they can prolong his life and protect the castle while the rest of the kingdom suffers.
Annalise has spent years in the castle secretly using her unwieldy magic to weave a web of influence around the king, his grandson (and her cousin) Prince Kendrik, and the king's advisors. Annalise hopes to exact revenge against the king for her mother's death--a plan that is close to fruition when Annalise accidentally uses her magic on Kendrik leaving him hidden and monstrously transformed while Annalise becomes the new heir.
Meanwhile, Evra's quiet country life is ruined when her magic manifests years later than expected making her the first girl ever to become a Clearsee. As magical prophets Clearsees (usually men) use their magic to interpret visions meant to guide and protect the kingdom. While Annalise prepares for her coronation, Evra reluctantly arrives at the capital where she sees cryptic visions hinting at danger. But is the danger a threat to Tyne's rulers or is it the rulers themselves? in A Season of Sinister Dreams (2021) by Tracy Banghart.
Find it on Bookshop.
This plot-driven standalone fantasy alternates chapters between Annalise and Evra's first person narrations. All characters are presumed white.
With Annalise used to hiding the scope of her powers and Evra newly invested with magic, both narrations are claustrophobic leaving readers and characters floundering. Themes of agency as both heroines try to defy expectations are undermined by extremely limited world building and backstories that never fully explain character motivations or actions--particularly Annalise's.
Fans of Banghart's Grace and Fury will appreciate this book's strong female leads, fast-paced action, and the focus on Evra and Tam's friendship despite other shortcomings.
Possible Pairings: Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust, Truthwitch by Susan Dennard, Forest of Souls by Lori M. Lee, The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows, There Will Come a Darkness by Katy Rose Pool, The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross
*A more condensed version of this review appeared as a review in an issue of School Library Journal*
Annalise has spent years in the castle secretly using her unwieldy magic to weave a web of influence around the king, his grandson (and her cousin) Prince Kendrik, and the king's advisors. Annalise hopes to exact revenge against the king for her mother's death--a plan that is close to fruition when Annalise accidentally uses her magic on Kendrik leaving him hidden and monstrously transformed while Annalise becomes the new heir.
Meanwhile, Evra's quiet country life is ruined when her magic manifests years later than expected making her the first girl ever to become a Clearsee. As magical prophets Clearsees (usually men) use their magic to interpret visions meant to guide and protect the kingdom. While Annalise prepares for her coronation, Evra reluctantly arrives at the capital where she sees cryptic visions hinting at danger. But is the danger a threat to Tyne's rulers or is it the rulers themselves? in A Season of Sinister Dreams (2021) by Tracy Banghart.
Find it on Bookshop.
This plot-driven standalone fantasy alternates chapters between Annalise and Evra's first person narrations. All characters are presumed white.
With Annalise used to hiding the scope of her powers and Evra newly invested with magic, both narrations are claustrophobic leaving readers and characters floundering. Themes of agency as both heroines try to defy expectations are undermined by extremely limited world building and backstories that never fully explain character motivations or actions--particularly Annalise's.
Fans of Banghart's Grace and Fury will appreciate this book's strong female leads, fast-paced action, and the focus on Evra and Tam's friendship despite other shortcomings.
Possible Pairings: Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust, Truthwitch by Susan Dennard, Forest of Souls by Lori M. Lee, The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows, There Will Come a Darkness by Katy Rose Pool, The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross
*A more condensed version of this review appeared as a review in an issue of School Library Journal*