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Dreamwraith
Jewel Carrington has done everything imaginable to provide a good life for her daughter. But now that Avery is a teenager, her best isn’t good enough. If not for their daily bickering, she and her daughter would never speak to each other.
When one argument escalates into a full-blown fight, Jewel is at a loss as to how to proceed. Avery, however, never gives her mother a chance to clear her head because she runs away.
Distraught and guilt-ridden, Jewel is desperate to find her daughter and work on their relationship, but her dream of mending fences is interrupted by the unimaginable. When she closes her eyes at night, a long-forgotten demonic entity known as a dreamwraith torments her.
Its constant taunting forces her to confront a painful past and pushes her to do everything within her power to find Avery before it’s too late.
Will Jewels’ hellish and unforgiving nightmare lead to disaster? Find out in Dreamwraith , a chilling horror novel from Jay Bower.
When one argument escalates into a full-blown fight, Jewel is at a loss as to how to proceed. Avery, however, never gives her mother a chance to clear her head because she runs away.
Distraught and guilt-ridden, Jewel is desperate to find her daughter and work on their relationship, but her dream of mending fences is interrupted by the unimaginable. When she closes her eyes at night, a long-forgotten demonic entity known as a dreamwraith torments her.
Its constant taunting forces her to confront a painful past and pushes her to do everything within her power to find Avery before it’s too late.
Will Jewels’ hellish and unforgiving nightmare lead to disaster? Find out in Dreamwraith , a chilling horror novel from Jay Bower.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2021
11 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Jay Bower
48 books294 followersJAY BOWER is a horror author living outside St. Louis, MO in the forest of Southern Illinois. He spends his time reading, writing, and convincing his wife the dark stories he writes do not involve her.
One time punk-rock skateboarder and heavy metal kid of the 80s, Jay approaches his work with the same indie attitude as those early punk bands.
He's the author of several dark novels and short stories. He can be reached at jay@jay-bower.com.
One time punk-rock skateboarder and heavy metal kid of the 80s, Jay approaches his work with the same indie attitude as those early punk bands.
He's the author of several dark novels and short stories. He can be reached at jay@jay-bower.com.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 13, 2025
Our lead, Jewel, was very hard to stay with. She was very damaged and troubled, making quite a few questionable decisions for herself. Not likeable much at all, but that was all the way she was supposed to be written. Effective character development by Jay Bower. Now the premise was good, but did drag a bit throughout the 260-page runtime. Certain plot points were repeated, when I felt that a more abbreviated approach may have served the story a bit better. However, the author’s approach to how this was all handled matched the pace that he was trying to accomplish. But the dreamwraith was very menacing and spooky thoughout. I did see the twist at the end coming from a mile away. Well-written and certainly enough for horror fans who love the occult and paranormal instances, this was a good outing.
August 12, 2023
I had not intended to multitask "speed reading" this one but everyone in this book is a mess and I had to get to the bottom of it (fictional messy is entertaining ok?).
The main character is trying her best but her she's falling apart every 45 minutes or so and she's surrounded by Christians who are both obnoxious about it and wrong and they make this story almost religious horror. She has the Christians in her life buzzing in her ear while she's trying to figure things out keeping things hazy, it's messy and exhausting but as a story it really works to keep you on edge. I really can't say much more without risking undue spoilers so I will leave it at that.
The main character is trying her best but her she's falling apart every 45 minutes or so and she's surrounded by Christians who are both obnoxious about it and wrong and they make this story almost religious horror. She has the Christians in her life buzzing in her ear while she's trying to figure things out keeping things hazy, it's messy and exhausting but as a story it really works to keep you on edge. I really can't say much more without risking undue spoilers so I will leave it at that.
May 19, 2025
A single mother trying to raise her teenage daughter, with the return of a dark secret from her past, haunting her not only in her dreams, but in the deepest, darkest depths of her soul too.
Feeling alone, apart from the demons, personal and otherwise, and the demon drink, and also being plagued by nightmares of the most chilling and lucid variety. The most disturbingly visceral night terrors that she suffers take a scary, sinister turn.
The scene setting is so realistic, the screams and chilling visions will continue to echo in my nightmares.
Incredibly, beautifully detailed. Atmospheric. Intense. A feeling of suspense, dread and fear, and of being watched surround you throughout.
A gripping, smooth, addictive narrative, where the action ramps up continuously. This is a breathtaking page turner you won't want to put down.
It reminded me a lot of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies, there were similarities scattered throughout that left me chilled.
Feeling alone, apart from the demons, personal and otherwise, and the demon drink, and also being plagued by nightmares of the most chilling and lucid variety. The most disturbingly visceral night terrors that she suffers take a scary, sinister turn.
The scene setting is so realistic, the screams and chilling visions will continue to echo in my nightmares.
Incredibly, beautifully detailed. Atmospheric. Intense. A feeling of suspense, dread and fear, and of being watched surround you throughout.
A gripping, smooth, addictive narrative, where the action ramps up continuously. This is a breathtaking page turner you won't want to put down.
It reminded me a lot of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies, there were similarities scattered throughout that left me chilled.
May 3, 2023
I picked this book up at Authorcon 2, the cover of this one grabbed me. This is the fourth Jay Bower Book I’ve read now, the others being his latest, Cadaverous, Master of Demons, and Dead Blood Vol 1. I would say aside from Cadaverous, this is my next favorite book by Bower. The atmosphere is great and you really feel for the MC and her downward spiral, things just keep getting worse. I also wasn’t expecting to feel sadness as I did at the end of this one. Highly recommend this one
February 25, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 21, 2021
Jay Bower has brought real people to the pages in this dark tale. The story opens on a single mother and daughter that could easily be living next door, or in the line in front of you at the grocery store. The realism of the people he populates Dreamwraith with just makes it all the more terrifying. The plots weaves together nicely and keeps you engaged, making excuses to not put the story down (Caution: reading Dreamwraith may lead to cancelation of your plans) Bower does a great job in giving you just enough of what you expect you almost trick yourself into thinking you know what is going to happen next (spoiler: you don’t!).
June 29, 2022
Dreaming just got scary!
This book will take your dreams and turn them inside out! Started reading and didn't stop till I was done! Another excellent read by Jay Bower! Dreaming and nightmares take on a whole new world!
This book will take your dreams and turn them inside out! Started reading and didn't stop till I was done! Another excellent read by Jay Bower! Dreaming and nightmares take on a whole new world!
August 13, 2023
Dreamwraith by Jay Bower
“Was it back? she wondered. But I didn’t use it. Not this time. Not in a long time. She meant no harm to her or her sister. She wanted to know more about them. They fascinated her and she was careful to be as respectful as possible, but her sister Michelle failed to heed the warnings”. - Chapter Four
This story is so beautifully and expertly written. The way Jay creates suspense is magical. You just never stop second guessing. At no point to you feel you have it figured out. It’s a masterpiece. Dreamwraith is mish mash of reality and dreamscapes which makes for the perfect page-turner. The descriptive prose is stunning and the character development is spectacular.
The only thing this book lacks is a Guillermo Del Toro movie adaptation. We want it. We need it.
I devoured this book in one sitting and will definitely be reading more by Jay.
I miss this book already. A well deserved 5 ⭐️
“Was it back? she wondered. But I didn’t use it. Not this time. Not in a long time. She meant no harm to her or her sister. She wanted to know more about them. They fascinated her and she was careful to be as respectful as possible, but her sister Michelle failed to heed the warnings”. - Chapter Four
This story is so beautifully and expertly written. The way Jay creates suspense is magical. You just never stop second guessing. At no point to you feel you have it figured out. It’s a masterpiece. Dreamwraith is mish mash of reality and dreamscapes which makes for the perfect page-turner. The descriptive prose is stunning and the character development is spectacular.
The only thing this book lacks is a Guillermo Del Toro movie adaptation. We want it. We need it.
I devoured this book in one sitting and will definitely be reading more by Jay.
I miss this book already. A well deserved 5 ⭐️
July 10, 2023
"Dreamwraith" by Jay Bower is a masterfully woven tapestry of horror, psychological exploration, and an emotionally charged parent-child dynamic. Jewel Carrington's desperate quest for her runaway daughter, Avery, is a heart-wrenching journey that is at once visceral and eerily suspenseful.
The strength of the narrative lies in the painfully raw portrayal of familial discord, effectively intertwined with the spine-chilling dread of an otherworldly horror. As Jewel confronts her haunting past and her terrifying present, readers are taken on an intense ride teetering between reality and nightmare.
"Dreamwraith" is a chilling exploration of human resilience in the face of unimaginable horror. With its evocative storytelling and rich characterization, this novel stands as a testament to Jay Bower's mastery of the horror genre.
The strength of the narrative lies in the painfully raw portrayal of familial discord, effectively intertwined with the spine-chilling dread of an otherworldly horror. As Jewel confronts her haunting past and her terrifying present, readers are taken on an intense ride teetering between reality and nightmare.
"Dreamwraith" is a chilling exploration of human resilience in the face of unimaginable horror. With its evocative storytelling and rich characterization, this novel stands as a testament to Jay Bower's mastery of the horror genre.
August 12, 2023
When the only place you can find the answers is when you are asleep, can you dare to dream?!
A really well constructed, engaging and immersive read. The characters, while despicable, are so very real - lurching from one self induced crisis to the next, lack of clarity of thought, and a self centred consideration of what a sense of urgency should entail. And this is what makes it so real - after all, wouldn’t every one of us crumble under the terror and strain?
Highly recommend.
A really well constructed, engaging and immersive read. The characters, while despicable, are so very real - lurching from one self induced crisis to the next, lack of clarity of thought, and a self centred consideration of what a sense of urgency should entail. And this is what makes it so real - after all, wouldn’t every one of us crumble under the terror and strain?
Highly recommend.
August 14, 2023
This was an absolute page-turner for me. Really engaging plot with a host of flawed characters that made the whole thing a bit more believable. And yet the story moves between real world and dreamscapes seamlessly.
The only reason I have not given this 5 stars is because I found a couple of bits quite repetitive but this is a fantastic read that for me was a brand new concept. Definitely don’t sleep on this one (pun very much intended)
The only reason I have not given this 5 stars is because I found a couple of bits quite repetitive but this is a fantastic read that for me was a brand new concept. Definitely don’t sleep on this one (pun very much intended)
July 22, 2025
I’ve read several other books by this author and I have to say that this was my least favorite so far. The main character Jewel was really unlikable and made what I thought were ridiculous decisions. Her daughter disappears and Jewel does things that make no sense to me. Her obsession with the graveyard across from her house seems unnecessary and what she does as a professor makes no sense either. Overall the writing was pretty good but the story really just didn’t work for me.
March 6, 2023
Bower has a great storyline with Dreamwraith. I absolutely could not stand the main character - she is deplorable. She makes everything all about herself, blaming all of her problems on others and brushing them under the rug. But what he does with her dreams is excellent. It could make some readers question falling asleep!
November 27, 2023
Thank You Jay Bower
This is the fourth book I have read of Jay Bowers. It is a Unsettling book of a middle age main character. The main character is recently divorced single mother with a missing teenager daughter. I liked the story. I am looking forward to reading more of this author's books.
Occult
Family Dysfunction
Supernatural
This is the fourth book I have read of Jay Bowers. It is a Unsettling book of a middle age main character. The main character is recently divorced single mother with a missing teenager daughter. I liked the story. I am looking forward to reading more of this author's books.
Occult
Family Dysfunction
Supernatural
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2023
Never trust the dead. . .even they will turn on you first chance they get. Cemeteries probably hold more secrets than we realize.
November 5, 2023
Never trust the dead. . .even they will turn on you first chance they get. Cemeteries probably hold more secrets than we realize.
June 6, 2024
Read in one afternoon. Brilliant, as always.
January 19, 2025
Great read.
Dreamwraith is a really good book, I enjoyed reading this book, and I loved the demons. Ending is a bit sad.
Dreamwraith is a really good book, I enjoyed reading this book, and I loved the demons. Ending is a bit sad.
August 2, 2025
As usual, Jay Bower wins again! His stories never fail to amaze me! I can’t wait to read his other books
August 26, 2022
Such a fantastic novel. Bower has the rare skill of creating a main character devoid of redeeming qualities that he's at the top with Gillian Flynn. The story was gripping with an ending that was flawless.
January 7, 2023
Nightmarish Wraith
Jewel is divorced and has a teenage daughter who goes missing. Jewel is plagued by a malevolent entity which she calls the Dreamwraith. What does it want and will she ever see her daughter again? A blood chilling book about a mother's anxiety about her daughter. The author portrays the psyche of the mother and her daughter in a graphic way. Terrifying.
Jewel is divorced and has a teenage daughter who goes missing. Jewel is plagued by a malevolent entity which she calls the Dreamwraith. What does it want and will she ever see her daughter again? A blood chilling book about a mother's anxiety about her daughter. The author portrays the psyche of the mother and her daughter in a graphic way. Terrifying.
September 9, 2022
My first by Jay Bower and certainly won't be my last. Great, creepy story with some awesome imagery, the kind of books I enjoy the most.
When Jewel's teenage daughter, Avery, disappears after a fight, Jewel is distraught. No one has seen Avery, no idea where she might be. And then the dreams return. Ones so vivid it's as if they're real. And it's not the first time Jewel has had such dreams involving a terrible demon, a dreamwraith. And Jewel has a nasty feeling there is a connection to her missing daughter and the demon...
As mentioned, some great imagery, creepy scenes, the demon itself terrifying. And when it comes to you in your sleep and you're powerless against it, it makes it even worse. Good, three-dimensional characters, it builds up to a clever, fast-paced ending that took me by surprise how it played out. Recommended!!
When Jewel's teenage daughter, Avery, disappears after a fight, Jewel is distraught. No one has seen Avery, no idea where she might be. And then the dreams return. Ones so vivid it's as if they're real. And it's not the first time Jewel has had such dreams involving a terrible demon, a dreamwraith. And Jewel has a nasty feeling there is a connection to her missing daughter and the demon...
As mentioned, some great imagery, creepy scenes, the demon itself terrifying. And when it comes to you in your sleep and you're powerless against it, it makes it even worse. Good, three-dimensional characters, it builds up to a clever, fast-paced ending that took me by surprise how it played out. Recommended!!
April 22, 2025
5👿👿👿👿👿
A dark tale of demons and nightmares. This is a fantastic story of what happens when you mess dark magic. Beautifully written. Jay is an absolute amazing storyteller.
“You fear me. You brought me. You owe me. You…owe.”
I had a name once. Flesh, too. Was I a man or a woman? The memories vanished like wind-whipped smoke. All that matters, more than knowing my past or how I got here, is my gnawing hunger. Hunger for the delicate, sensuous taste of dreams from hurting souls. These…these are what drive me. Nothing matters. Only the dreams. Only…the dreams.... The Dreamwraith.
A dark tale of demons and nightmares. This is a fantastic story of what happens when you mess dark magic. Beautifully written. Jay is an absolute amazing storyteller.
“You fear me. You brought me. You owe me. You…owe.”
I had a name once. Flesh, too. Was I a man or a woman? The memories vanished like wind-whipped smoke. All that matters, more than knowing my past or how I got here, is my gnawing hunger. Hunger for the delicate, sensuous taste of dreams from hurting souls. These…these are what drive me. Nothing matters. Only the dreams. Only…the dreams.... The Dreamwraith.
September 16, 2022
The author made me feel the characters through his writing style. The fear is tangible and kept me reading straight through the night.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews