An evocative tale of romance, mystery, and alluring monsters unfolds as Elspeth Spindle grapples with an ancient spirit trapped in her mind, whom she calls the Nightmare. This entity protects her and guards her secrets, but magic comes at a cost. When Elspeth encounters a mysterious highwayman in the forest, she is drawn into a world filled with shadow and deception. Together, they embark on a perilous quest to rid the town of Blunder of the dark magic that plagues it. As their attraction grows, Elspeth must confront her deepest fear: the Nightmare is gradually taking control of her mind, and she may not be able to resist him. This gothic fantasy romance invites readers into a richly woven narrative where a maiden must embrace the monster within to save her kingdom. Praise highlights the enchanting, darkly whimsical prose and the pulse-pounding romance that develops between Elspeth and Ravyn, capturing the essence of a beautifully dark fairy tale filled with blood, rage, and difficult choices amid misty woods.
