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What a Nightmare
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26They called her a nightmare, so she became one.
Haven Powers has spent years trying to disappear. Once a loud, troublemaking girl who defied every expectation in her small town of Friendship, Texas, now she’s learned to hide her fire behind a quiet receptionist’s smile. It’s safer that way—for her, and for everyone else.
When an unsettling encounter with her predatory boss cracks open the tightly locked box inside her, Haven dreams a terrifying dream about him, only to wake up and discover it’s come true; he’s dead. Desperate to gain control of this deadly power once and for all, Haven returns home.
Welcomed suspiciously with open arms, Haven is immediately met with the ghosts of her past. Under the suffocating pressure of the town and her family who believe obedience is next to godliness, Haven soon finds herself on a path to revenge. She’ll show them what happens when the girl they called too much, too loud, too everything, finally lets her demons loose.
Haven Powers has spent years trying to disappear. Once a loud, troublemaking girl who defied every expectation in her small town of Friendship, Texas, now she’s learned to hide her fire behind a quiet receptionist’s smile. It’s safer that way—for her, and for everyone else.
When an unsettling encounter with her predatory boss cracks open the tightly locked box inside her, Haven dreams a terrifying dream about him, only to wake up and discover it’s come true; he’s dead. Desperate to gain control of this deadly power once and for all, Haven returns home.
Welcomed suspiciously with open arms, Haven is immediately met with the ghosts of her past. Under the suffocating pressure of the town and her family who believe obedience is next to godliness, Haven soon finds herself on a path to revenge. She’ll show them what happens when the girl they called too much, too loud, too everything, finally lets her demons loose.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 13, 2026
About the author
Rebekah Faubion
5 books202 followersRebekah Faubion is a queer author and screenwriter living in Los Angeles. Her books include the YA dark speculative thriller Lost Girls of Hollow Lake out now from Delacorte Press, sapphic rom-coms The Lovers and The Sun and the Moon, and her adult horror debut What a Nightmare, releasing October 13th, 2026 from Berkley Pub. She enjoys reading tarot, bingeing horror novels way past her bedtime, and thinking up places to bury the body—for the plot, of course.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 3, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with an advanced ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
After nine years away, Haven Powers returns home to confront the trauma she’s spent years trying to escape. But coming back isn’t easy. Strange things happen whenever Haven falls asleep, she has vivid, violent dreams, only to wake up and discover that people have actually been hurt. Her family’s suspiciously warm welcome only deepens the mystery. As she struggles to gain control of her increasingly dangerous powers, Haven realizes that returning home has only made them stronger. Once seen as the family’s uncontrollable daughter, she’s determined to prove that no one can keep her contained. And with revenge on her mind, the consequences could be devastating.
I thought the premise was really intriguing, and the writing was well done. However, the story moved a little too slowly for my taste. While I appreciate a slow-burn buildup, it felt like the plot didn’t really take off until around the 70% mark, and then everything wrapped up rather abruptly. I also had a hard time connecting with the cast, as most of the characters were difficult to like or relate to.
Despite those issues, this was my first experience with this author, and it definitely won’t be my last. I’m interested in reading more of their work.
After nine years away, Haven Powers returns home to confront the trauma she’s spent years trying to escape. But coming back isn’t easy. Strange things happen whenever Haven falls asleep, she has vivid, violent dreams, only to wake up and discover that people have actually been hurt. Her family’s suspiciously warm welcome only deepens the mystery. As she struggles to gain control of her increasingly dangerous powers, Haven realizes that returning home has only made them stronger. Once seen as the family’s uncontrollable daughter, she’s determined to prove that no one can keep her contained. And with revenge on her mind, the consequences could be devastating.
I thought the premise was really intriguing, and the writing was well done. However, the story moved a little too slowly for my taste. While I appreciate a slow-burn buildup, it felt like the plot didn’t really take off until around the 70% mark, and then everything wrapped up rather abruptly. I also had a hard time connecting with the cast, as most of the characters were difficult to like or relate to.
Despite those issues, this was my first experience with this author, and it definitely won’t be my last. I’m interested in reading more of their work.
Read
June 11, 2026I am so here for What a Nightmare. Dark, feminist horror that had me ‘one more chaptering’ all night!
May 28, 2026
I really loved this! Haven Powers is now one of my favorite protagonists! The way this book deals with locking away trauma and it seeping out anyway is just so good! The small town vibes, the family with many messed up issues, the revenge! So well written! I do wish we got a little more of Haven and Winter! But I definitely get that this was more about her getting answers and finally being free than romance! I really appreciated the opportunity to read this before release
I received an eARC from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
I received an eARC from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Did Not Finish
June 2, 2026DNF. The writing style on this one just isn't working for me. Which is weird because I've enjoyed other books by this author. 🤷♀️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.0
What a Nightmare is an immensely gripping southern horror novel all about a dysfunctional family with dark secrets. The prose is simple without being boring, and I found myself breezing through it. It characterizes Haven a lot with her blasé crudeness amongst a bunch of fake-smiling southern conservatives trying make people think they’re your perfect Christian men and women. If you deep south imagery turned into horror, slight magical realism, and queer girls who are a little problematic, this is the book for you.
This is something I’d gladly put in the “female rage” genre as Haven is nothing if not a woman who bites back. She’s the absolute anti-thesis of the ironically named Friendship in all of its “stuck in time” conservative glory. She’s an unmarried, childless, bisexual who refuses to roll over for the abusers the town makes excuses for. A core part of this story is how institutions like church protect abusers. As well as how women can be complicit in the systematic abuse of women, like Haven’s mother or Charity Turner. While it doesn’t stray away from pointing them out as part of the problem, it’s also far kinder to them than some of the men Haven encounters. It definitely tries to be nuanced. I’m not sure how much I’m satisfied with Olympia Powers ending, since the final act is more abrupt than I’d like, but it does aim for nuance.
I think the ending is the weakest part in retrospect. The build-up is slow, which I liked as part of a horror mystery, but you’re not given a lot of time to sit with the reveals. It’s extremely chaotic, which very well might be the intention. Besides that, I would’ve liked a little more done with Winter. This isn’t a book about queerness, but it is a C-plot that didn’t feel totally wrapped up by the time we reach the end. We don’t get much insight into how Haven understands her bisexuality as someone from a very conservative area. She understands queerness as something to not do in Friendship, but I don’t know if that was another conflict with her family or an internal struggle like her abuse. I think it’s a bit of a miss opportunity that wouldn’t have taken much page time. But I digress. I probably wouldn't recommend this as "queer horror" but i'd absolutely recommend it as general mystery/horror.
What a Nightmare is an immensely gripping southern horror novel all about a dysfunctional family with dark secrets. The prose is simple without being boring, and I found myself breezing through it. It characterizes Haven a lot with her blasé crudeness amongst a bunch of fake-smiling southern conservatives trying make people think they’re your perfect Christian men and women. If you deep south imagery turned into horror, slight magical realism, and queer girls who are a little problematic, this is the book for you.
This is something I’d gladly put in the “female rage” genre as Haven is nothing if not a woman who bites back. She’s the absolute anti-thesis of the ironically named Friendship in all of its “stuck in time” conservative glory. She’s an unmarried, childless, bisexual who refuses to roll over for the abusers the town makes excuses for. A core part of this story is how institutions like church protect abusers. As well as how women can be complicit in the systematic abuse of women, like Haven’s mother or Charity Turner. While it doesn’t stray away from pointing them out as part of the problem, it’s also far kinder to them than some of the men Haven encounters. It definitely tries to be nuanced. I’m not sure how much I’m satisfied with Olympia Powers ending, since the final act is more abrupt than I’d like, but it does aim for nuance.
I think the ending is the weakest part in retrospect. The build-up is slow, which I liked as part of a horror mystery, but you’re not given a lot of time to sit with the reveals. It’s extremely chaotic, which very well might be the intention. Besides that, I would’ve liked a little more done with Winter. This isn’t a book about queerness, but it is a C-plot that didn’t feel totally wrapped up by the time we reach the end. We don’t get much insight into how Haven understands her bisexuality as someone from a very conservative area. She understands queerness as something to not do in Friendship, but I don’t know if that was another conflict with her family or an internal struggle like her abuse. I think it’s a bit of a miss opportunity that wouldn’t have taken much page time. But I digress. I probably wouldn't recommend this as "queer horror" but i'd absolutely recommend it as general mystery/horror.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for this advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
"What a Nightmare" by Rebekah Faubion
5/5 stars
It's not often that I read a book that I know will stick with me for a long time. "What a Nightmare" by Rebekah Faubion is one of those books.
Described as a Carrie tribute, "What a Nightmare" follows Haven Powers as she confronts memories of her past and the powers she's had since she was young.
I absolutely loved this book! The thing I loved the most was how eerie everything felt. No matter what part of the book I was reading, I kept feeling chills (ironic, since majority of the book is set in Texas). One thing that especially stood out to me was the exploration of the horror of surveillance in a small town. Living somewhere with no privacy in your life sounds like a dystopian nightmare. But Faubion was able to show how the idea of living in a town where everyone knows everyone (something often portrayed in media as sweet and wholesome) can be anxiety enduring, creating problems amd deavasting consequences that shouldn't have occurred.
I also loved the explorations of generational trauma (especially within women) and how systems of power and status (in society, communities, etc.) keep this trauma going. It felt like a theme that was woven into the story rather than somwthing thrown in. It's obvious that there was so much thought and care put into exploring this topic in a sensitive way that also made sense for the story.
I was very drawn towards the characters in this story. There was no character in this book that I didn't have strong feelings towards. I would physically cringe reading about the sleaziest characters and become emotional reading about the more sympathetic characters. To this day I keep thinking about them and where a continuation of the book might have taken them.
Overall, this is a great horror novel and I would definitely recommend it to others!
"What a Nightmare" by Rebekah Faubion
5/5 stars
It's not often that I read a book that I know will stick with me for a long time. "What a Nightmare" by Rebekah Faubion is one of those books.
Described as a Carrie tribute, "What a Nightmare" follows Haven Powers as she confronts memories of her past and the powers she's had since she was young.
I absolutely loved this book! The thing I loved the most was how eerie everything felt. No matter what part of the book I was reading, I kept feeling chills (ironic, since majority of the book is set in Texas). One thing that especially stood out to me was the exploration of the horror of surveillance in a small town. Living somewhere with no privacy in your life sounds like a dystopian nightmare. But Faubion was able to show how the idea of living in a town where everyone knows everyone (something often portrayed in media as sweet and wholesome) can be anxiety enduring, creating problems amd deavasting consequences that shouldn't have occurred.
I also loved the explorations of generational trauma (especially within women) and how systems of power and status (in society, communities, etc.) keep this trauma going. It felt like a theme that was woven into the story rather than somwthing thrown in. It's obvious that there was so much thought and care put into exploring this topic in a sensitive way that also made sense for the story.
I was very drawn towards the characters in this story. There was no character in this book that I didn't have strong feelings towards. I would physically cringe reading about the sleaziest characters and become emotional reading about the more sympathetic characters. To this day I keep thinking about them and where a continuation of the book might have taken them.
Overall, this is a great horror novel and I would definitely recommend it to others!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
**Thank you to the publisher for providing me an eARC of this novel via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review**
A heart-wrenching yet empowering novel about breaking the cycle of abuse, burning your demons down to the ground, and taking them to hell with you. I’m conflicted about this story because there were moments where I was barely slogging through, and moments where I truly couldn’t put the book down.
Perhaps it’s because I have religious trauma of my own, but the whole homecoming/family history/small town part of this story really left a pit of dread in my stomach and unsettled the hell out of me. Which means the author did her job, because that sort of all-too-familiar dread, dressed up in a southern accent and Bible verse about loving thy neighbor, is what Haven was experiencing. However, because of this, it took me a long time to get through the novel, and it felt like the pacing was off where the middle really dragged on.
When things started picking up towards the end, though, this turned into a real page turner. I couldn’t wait to see how things concluded with the more supernatural elements. I also absolutely love watching terrible men eat shit and die, so that was a huge plus for me.
My only gripe is I wish the author had done more with the little flirtmance between Haven and Winter. The protagonist’s queerness is not really touched upon beyond this dynamic in a few scenes, and selfishly I wish there would have been more. At the same time I also understand that this was not the central theme of this story. This was about the cycle of abuse and women’s autonomy, and while queerness can be a facet of that, it is not at the forefront in this story.
Overall, a great read. Definitely check the list of content warnings before you start this one, though. Perhaps if I’d taken them more to heart I wouldn’t have ventured into this story, but as long as it took me to stomach, I don’t regret it.
A heart-wrenching yet empowering novel about breaking the cycle of abuse, burning your demons down to the ground, and taking them to hell with you. I’m conflicted about this story because there were moments where I was barely slogging through, and moments where I truly couldn’t put the book down.
Perhaps it’s because I have religious trauma of my own, but the whole homecoming/family history/small town part of this story really left a pit of dread in my stomach and unsettled the hell out of me. Which means the author did her job, because that sort of all-too-familiar dread, dressed up in a southern accent and Bible verse about loving thy neighbor, is what Haven was experiencing. However, because of this, it took me a long time to get through the novel, and it felt like the pacing was off where the middle really dragged on.
When things started picking up towards the end, though, this turned into a real page turner. I couldn’t wait to see how things concluded with the more supernatural elements. I also absolutely love watching terrible men eat shit and die, so that was a huge plus for me.
My only gripe is I wish the author had done more with the little flirtmance between Haven and Winter. The protagonist’s queerness is not really touched upon beyond this dynamic in a few scenes, and selfishly I wish there would have been more. At the same time I also understand that this was not the central theme of this story. This was about the cycle of abuse and women’s autonomy, and while queerness can be a facet of that, it is not at the forefront in this story.
Overall, a great read. Definitely check the list of content warnings before you start this one, though. Perhaps if I’d taken them more to heart I wouldn’t have ventured into this story, but as long as it took me to stomach, I don’t regret it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a Nightmare is furious, cathartic horror that sinks its claws in early and never lets go. At its heart is Haven Powers, a woman who has spent years shrinking herself to survive. Watching her return to Friendship, Texas and confront the people who taught her that she was “too much” is equal parts heartbreaking and empowering.
The novel captures the suffocating weight of small-town expectations, religious judgment, and the pressure placed on women to be quiet, agreeable, and easy to control. Haven’s journey feels deeply personal, and her anger is more than justified. When her nightmares begin bleeding into reality, the horror becomes a vehicle for exploring repression, trauma, and the consequences of forcing someone to bury who they are.
What makes this story work so well is that the supernatural elements never overshadow the emotional core. The real monsters are often the people who claim to love you while demanding your obedience. Every encounter with Haven’s family and hometown carries a sense of dread that rivals the novel’s darker, more fantastical moments.
Haven is an unforgettable protagonist. Flawed, vulnerable, and simmering with rage, she feels incredibly real. Her transformation throughout the story is both devastating and deeply satisfying, especially for anyone who has ever been told they were too loud, too emotional, or too difficult.
What a Nightmare is horror with teeth. It’s a story about reclaiming power, embracing anger, and refusing to make yourself smaller for the comfort of others. Dark, emotional, and wildly cathartic, this one left a lasting impression.
The novel captures the suffocating weight of small-town expectations, religious judgment, and the pressure placed on women to be quiet, agreeable, and easy to control. Haven’s journey feels deeply personal, and her anger is more than justified. When her nightmares begin bleeding into reality, the horror becomes a vehicle for exploring repression, trauma, and the consequences of forcing someone to bury who they are.
What makes this story work so well is that the supernatural elements never overshadow the emotional core. The real monsters are often the people who claim to love you while demanding your obedience. Every encounter with Haven’s family and hometown carries a sense of dread that rivals the novel’s darker, more fantastical moments.
Haven is an unforgettable protagonist. Flawed, vulnerable, and simmering with rage, she feels incredibly real. Her transformation throughout the story is both devastating and deeply satisfying, especially for anyone who has ever been told they were too loud, too emotional, or too difficult.
What a Nightmare is horror with teeth. It’s a story about reclaiming power, embracing anger, and refusing to make yourself smaller for the comfort of others. Dark, emotional, and wildly cathartic, this one left a lasting impression.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC review:
She's making their nightmares come true. A book with the plot of revenge with very Carrie vibes... Count me in! I absolutely ate this book up and enjoyed it. It had a slow build up; but it was totally worth it. It was a YA horror with a touch of fuck the patriarchy that I didn't know I needed.
When it comes to our FMC she starts out as a victim. Rightfully so, with all the trauma she experienced with her family and pretty much everyone else (specifically an older man) in that small town of Texas. When she slowly starts to realize she has a power that she can use for revenge. It makes her evolve. She comes to be one with her power, no longer a victim; but a survivor.
Honestly, I think the way the nightmares were brought to life and her getting her revenge is my absolute favorite part of the story all together. The author did such a great job bringing the story together. Handling the trauma, bringing the characters to life, and overall the story as well.
This is a novel I wish I could see as a movie. I think it would be a hit! Also, there were elements of our FMC being romantically involved with another woman. But this wasn't a story about romance as it was for revenge. ❤️
My overall rating:
5/5⭐s
She's making their nightmares come true. A book with the plot of revenge with very Carrie vibes... Count me in! I absolutely ate this book up and enjoyed it. It had a slow build up; but it was totally worth it. It was a YA horror with a touch of fuck the patriarchy that I didn't know I needed.
When it comes to our FMC she starts out as a victim. Rightfully so, with all the trauma she experienced with her family and pretty much everyone else (specifically an older man) in that small town of Texas. When she slowly starts to realize she has a power that she can use for revenge. It makes her evolve. She comes to be one with her power, no longer a victim; but a survivor.
Honestly, I think the way the nightmares were brought to life and her getting her revenge is my absolute favorite part of the story all together. The author did such a great job bringing the story together. Handling the trauma, bringing the characters to life, and overall the story as well.
This is a novel I wish I could see as a movie. I think it would be a hit! Also, there were elements of our FMC being romantically involved with another woman. But this wasn't a story about romance as it was for revenge. ❤️
My overall rating:
5/5⭐s
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I tried. I really did. But this book had me fighting for my life to stay engaged. I lost track of how many times I considered DNFing, which is never a great sign. I’m all for descriptive writing, but if I have to read one more detailed breakdown of someone’s iris color like it’s vital to the plot, I might scream.
I can absolutely see what the author was going for with the whole “horror as a metaphor for trauma” angle. It’s very on-trend right now, and when it works, it really works. Unfortunately, this just didn’t quite come together for me. I think the story felt all over the place with too many moving parts and not enough follow-through. The character relationships weren’t strong enough for me to really care… for example, the Winter and Matilda storylines are so flat. By the end, everything was rushed, with a bunch of information thrown in at once and still so many unanswered questions.
All that said, I think some readers might get more out of this than I did. I’m just left more frustrated than satisfied.
I can absolutely see what the author was going for with the whole “horror as a metaphor for trauma” angle. It’s very on-trend right now, and when it works, it really works. Unfortunately, this just didn’t quite come together for me. I think the story felt all over the place with too many moving parts and not enough follow-through. The character relationships weren’t strong enough for me to really care… for example, the Winter and Matilda storylines are so flat. By the end, everything was rushed, with a bunch of information thrown in at once and still so many unanswered questions.
All that said, I think some readers might get more out of this than I did. I’m just left more frustrated than satisfied.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC of What a Nightmare by Rebekah Faubion.
4.5 stars!
What a dream follows Haven Powers who has a unfortunate problem with her boss. She then has a dream and all I will say is that he dies. Then she finds out it wasn’t really a dream and her boss truly is dead. She then must work through letting herself free.
I am so here for the feminine rage this book gives. It 100% gives Carrie vibes and I love it so much. The trauma she has endured to just letting go is great. This might just be my favorite book that Rebekah has written and I cannot wait for everyone to read this book.
4.5 stars!
What a dream follows Haven Powers who has a unfortunate problem with her boss. She then has a dream and all I will say is that he dies. Then she finds out it wasn’t really a dream and her boss truly is dead. She then must work through letting herself free.
I am so here for the feminine rage this book gives. It 100% gives Carrie vibes and I love it so much. The trauma she has endured to just letting go is great. This might just be my favorite book that Rebekah has written and I cannot wait for everyone to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a Nightmare was an enjoyable read with plenty of unsettling moments and strong Carrie-like vibes throughout. There’s a growing sense of unease that builds as the story unfolds, making it an easy book to get caught up in.
While it isn’t overly complex, it delivers exactly what I was hoping for—a creepy, entertaining read with a dark atmosphere and echoes of classic supernatural horror. If you’re a fan of stories like Carrie and enjoy watching tension slowly build into chaos, this one is definitely worth picking up.
While it isn’t overly complex, it delivers exactly what I was hoping for—a creepy, entertaining read with a dark atmosphere and echoes of classic supernatural horror. If you’re a fan of stories like Carrie and enjoy watching tension slowly build into chaos, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As a big fan of a Carrie I jumped at the chance to read this book as well as being a big fan of Faubions. Haven is a character that many can relate to as she grew up in a family she never truly belonged in. Having abilities she doesn't quite fully understand Haven returns back home to Texas to visit her sick father. As time passes tensions burn in her family's home as many truths come to light.
Thanks again to the author for the eARC
Thanks again to the author for the eARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a Nightmare
By Rebekah Faubion
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this wonderful book! I was thoroughly engrossed in this story. Great world building, believable characters, and suspenseful atmosphere the whole time.
This story unfolds slowly, giving the reader little drips of info here and there to tease us. It was fun trying to figure out a dozen mysterious things. All the clues had my heart beating faster, which happened often due to the frequency of the clues.
This is a different kind of horror novel. No jump scares, just a constant pressure that something or someone is coming and it wasn't good. The stalker behind you feeling. I loved it!
If you like horror, this is for you. If you want to try horror but are afraid to jump in, try this. This is easily 5 stars!
By Rebekah Faubion
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this wonderful book! I was thoroughly engrossed in this story. Great world building, believable characters, and suspenseful atmosphere the whole time.
This story unfolds slowly, giving the reader little drips of info here and there to tease us. It was fun trying to figure out a dozen mysterious things. All the clues had my heart beating faster, which happened often due to the frequency of the clues.
This is a different kind of horror novel. No jump scares, just a constant pressure that something or someone is coming and it wasn't good. The stalker behind you feeling. I loved it!
If you like horror, this is for you. If you want to try horror but are afraid to jump in, try this. This is easily 5 stars!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The tension in this one gave me major Carrie vibes. Small-town horror is usually hit-or-miss for me but I adored how this was written. Excellent visual descriptions made everything so easy to picture. Haven is such a well-written character and it's so easy to root for her as she takes her vengeance.
I received an eARC from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an eARC from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Want to Read
July 5, 2026🔥❤️🔥 What a Nightmare ❤️🔥🔥
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Horror
• Revenge Story
• Small Town Secrets
• Psychological Horror
• Supernatural Powers
• Feminine Rage
• LGBTQ+ Rep
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: October 13, 2026
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Horror
• Revenge Story
• Small Town Secrets
• Psychological Horror
• Supernatural Powers
• Feminine Rage
• LGBTQ+ Rep
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: October 13, 2026
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Unresolved trauma with a heavy dose of feminine rage? Count me in. Rebekah Faubion brings the darkness of the human heart to life on the page in a way that will not only shock and horrify you, but will force you to grapple with the idea that revenge might just be the best and only answer.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Really enjoyable, loved the concept and the writing was fluid. Really liked the character building and the reveals made sense.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really liked this, this is one of those books where I wish I had a physical copy rather than my kindle so I could take notes and tab it. I dont have a final rating so im sticking this at a 3.
June 14, 2026
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, RF is a literary mastermind. Whether it’s romance or horror, her books are ones I can never put down.
What a nightmare follows Haven Powers as she travels back to the place that started it all, Friendship, Texas. She’s spent years trying to blend in and escape but one phone call brings her back.
There was so much with stored trauma and familial dysfunction that just hit home. They called her a nightmare, so she became one.
Also, the ending had me like 😳👀
What a nightmare follows Haven Powers as she travels back to the place that started it all, Friendship, Texas. She’s spent years trying to blend in and escape but one phone call brings her back.
There was so much with stored trauma and familial dysfunction that just hit home. They called her a nightmare, so she became one.
Also, the ending had me like 😳👀
January 26, 2026
I love this book so much. Truly taking all the exciting, horrifying genre elements of classics like Carrie and Nightmare on Elm Street and bringing them into the modern day, through a complex, engrossing, traumatized woman's ever-fascinating story. The family dynamics, sun-bleached, terrifying small town, twists, and sharp writing makes this book one of my absolute favorites.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews