We also have the magic of 'nightmares' when people dream they might wake up as their worst nightmare, this leads to a whole host of monsters in the city on top of the very human monsters. Have you ever wondered what it's like to live in a Gotham esque city with crime and corruption being absurd everywhere? Well I hadn't but it's super fun to watch The other friend is a newly made one in the book, someone whose lonely and hurting in all their own ways and you get to see the two open up to each other beautifully. We also get two friends: one long time best friend which showcases how we can support each other and be insecure in our friendships. I don't think I've ever read about a mc dealing with crippling fear before, and while one might be concerned that a coward wouldn't be 'proactive' enough as a protag that's not the case here.She's a good person, easy to root for, struggling with mental health issues, and I love her character arc throughout the first book.

There's definitely some similarities in the series/writing style so it's recognizably Schaeffer, but it's also a very different (not as dark, but uh that's not a hard bar to hit) series. (No? Do you like Dark YA? then go read that series instead of this review). You may be familiar with Schaeffer from her brilliant Market of Monsters trilogy. Gotham meets Strange the Dreamer in this thrilling young adult fantasy about a cowardly girl who finds herself at the center of a criminal syndicate conspiracy, in a city where crooked politicians and sinister cults reign and dreaming means waking up as your worst nightmare. Did you want more friendship focused YA with excellent non typical protags in fantastic dark aesthetics urban fantasy worldbuilding? Yes? - then read Rebecca Schaeffer's newest book.

City of nightmares rebecca schaeffer