A Multitude of Dreams by Mara Rutherford
Synopsis:
Princess Imogen of Goslind has lived a sheltered life for three years at the boarded-up castle—she and the rest of its inhabitants safe from the bloody mori roja plague that’s ravaged the kingdom. But Princess Imogen has a secret, and as King Stuart descends further into madness, it’s at great risk of being revealed. Rations dwindle each day, and unhappy murmurings threaten to crack the facade of the years-long charade being played within the castle walls.
Nico Mott once enjoyed a comfortable life of status, but the plague took everyone and everything from him. If not for the generosity of a nearby lord, Nico may not have survived the mori roja’s aftermath. But does owing Lord Crane his life mean he owes him his silence?
When Lord Crane sends Nico to search for more plague survivors in the castle, Nico collides with a princess who wants to break out. They will each have to navigate the web of lies they’ve woven if they’re going to survive the nightmares ahead.
Review:
A Multitude of Dreams is a dark fantasy full of suspense and mystery. While Imogen and the rest of the castle have been safe, quarantined against the plague, it’s a suffocating safety. Meanwhile, Nico has survived the plague – but slowly uncovers the dark side of some of the survivors. Gothic horror fans will enjoy this creepy and pulse-pounding read. While parts were a bit predictable, it didn’t lessen the intense suspense. I’m a fan of the genre and devoured this quickly and thoroughly enjoyed the story and characters.