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In Shadowed Dreams
Alex is trying to solve a mystery. Raven is that mystery.
Nine months ago, in New York City, Raven vanished. Not even a body was left behind because Raven's body is still moving. Its new inhabitant is a fictional assassin summoned from the pages of his own world by Raven's magic and desperation as she fought to escape a trap meant to take her life.
Now those who hunted Raven have returned to kill again and Alex must unravel the mystery of his best friend's magic and disappearance before she is lost forever.
"In Shadowed Dreams" is a new adult queer urban fantasy novella that tells a story locked between past present and a time that never truly was.
Nine months ago, in New York City, Raven vanished. Not even a body was left behind because Raven's body is still moving. Its new inhabitant is a fictional assassin summoned from the pages of his own world by Raven's magic and desperation as she fought to escape a trap meant to take her life.
Now those who hunted Raven have returned to kill again and Alex must unravel the mystery of his best friend's magic and disappearance before she is lost forever.
"In Shadowed Dreams" is a new adult queer urban fantasy novella that tells a story locked between past present and a time that never truly was.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2023
5 people are currently reading
1215 people want to read
About the author
S. Judith Bernstein
2 books27 followersSJ (they/them) is a fantasy author with a life long love of all things dragons and a passion for fantasy politics, daggers, poisons, and King Arthur.
After graduating Mount Holyoke College in 2019 they moved to Boston where they now live with their found family of roommates and one very grumpy gray cat named Prospero. When not writing they spend most of their time reading, cooking, playing chess, watching anime, and being meowed at by Prospero.
SJ identifies as Non-Binary, Gay Oriented AroAce, Disabled, Chronically Ill, and Jewish. They very are passionate about bringing all these parts of themself into their writing and about telling stories centering these and other marginalized identities.
Their favorite books are She Who Became the Sun, The Dragon Riders of Pern, The Earthsea Cycle, The Lord of the Rings, The Crystal Cave, Crooked Kingdom, The Thief Lord, and The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi
After graduating Mount Holyoke College in 2019 they moved to Boston where they now live with their found family of roommates and one very grumpy gray cat named Prospero. When not writing they spend most of their time reading, cooking, playing chess, watching anime, and being meowed at by Prospero.
SJ identifies as Non-Binary, Gay Oriented AroAce, Disabled, Chronically Ill, and Jewish. They very are passionate about bringing all these parts of themself into their writing and about telling stories centering these and other marginalized identities.
Their favorite books are She Who Became the Sun, The Dragon Riders of Pern, The Earthsea Cycle, The Lord of the Rings, The Crystal Cave, Crooked Kingdom, The Thief Lord, and The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 12, 2023
https://youtu.be/uOl0NfW1qZI
(Transparency: This review was commissioned by the author, however this does not at all affect my rating)
This novella had no business being this goddamn good in such a short amount of pages. I was shocked. I’m a picky bitch. This snuck up on me and weaseled it’s way into my brain and I have been screaming about it for 24 hours. God damn it. I need more!
This author is so fucking talented to have been able to do in such a short amount of time so much, and do all of it well. I am extremely picky, but I am very tough on Novelas and short stories because it’s very hard to do in a short amount of time themes, and characters and do them in a way that I leave the book super attached to the work. This did that.
It certainly hope that this book has chronic migraine rep, and does so well. Like really fucking well. The accuracy and the care taken to depict what a migraine feels like. I am so appreciative of this author for doing that because that’s something that I rarely see in fiction.
But this author did another thing that I love which was creating books within books. However, it didn’t just end there, but the books with in the book we’re connected to the book itself, and the fictional characters to our fictional characters came alive. BRILLIANT. IT WAS BRILLIANT.
The character work here was absolutely stunning, especially for such a short read. The author really brought these people to life, and made me give a shit in such a short amount of time. The fact that she put two separate characters in one characters body, and made them so distinct from each other? AGAIN, BRILLIANT. ITS BRILLIANCE.
The switching back and forth in POV and time jumps and excerpts from the book within the book was done so masterfully. I was blown away by the writing here. I have no notes on how this could’ve been better. Zero. And I’m a picky, opinionated bitch. This is immaculate.
I will read anything by this author. I’m serious. Give me whatever you write.
(Transparency: This review was commissioned by the author, however this does not at all affect my rating)
This novella had no business being this goddamn good in such a short amount of pages. I was shocked. I’m a picky bitch. This snuck up on me and weaseled it’s way into my brain and I have been screaming about it for 24 hours. God damn it. I need more!
This author is so fucking talented to have been able to do in such a short amount of time so much, and do all of it well. I am extremely picky, but I am very tough on Novelas and short stories because it’s very hard to do in a short amount of time themes, and characters and do them in a way that I leave the book super attached to the work. This did that.
It certainly hope that this book has chronic migraine rep, and does so well. Like really fucking well. The accuracy and the care taken to depict what a migraine feels like. I am so appreciative of this author for doing that because that’s something that I rarely see in fiction.
But this author did another thing that I love which was creating books within books. However, it didn’t just end there, but the books with in the book we’re connected to the book itself, and the fictional characters to our fictional characters came alive. BRILLIANT. IT WAS BRILLIANT.
The character work here was absolutely stunning, especially for such a short read. The author really brought these people to life, and made me give a shit in such a short amount of time. The fact that she put two separate characters in one characters body, and made them so distinct from each other? AGAIN, BRILLIANT. ITS BRILLIANCE.
The switching back and forth in POV and time jumps and excerpts from the book within the book was done so masterfully. I was blown away by the writing here. I have no notes on how this could’ve been better. Zero. And I’m a picky, opinionated bitch. This is immaculate.
I will read anything by this author. I’m serious. Give me whatever you write.
March 20, 2023
This novella is fantastically imaginative and an absolute love story to those who love stories. I cannot wait to see what this author does next.
March 24, 2023
SJ Bernstein's debut novella uses a wild, magic-fueled chase through NYC to explore the relationship dynamics between the main characters Alex and Raven. Fast-paced and full of heart, this is the perfect read for any bibliophile who likes books within books, soft-magic systems, and other voices. Bonus: At 120 pages, its short, sweet, and an easy add to your 'read' shelf if you're participating in the annual Goodreads challenge.
March 5, 2023
I went into this without reading the synopsis and, honestly, I recommend doing it that way.
This gave me major anime vibes. I could genuinely see this as a 13 episode full production anime on crunchy roll and I had a fun time reading the first third, but when we got to part 3 (the novella is split into 3 parts) I felt like it was so abrupt and the ending was kinda choppy? I don’t know there was something missing.
But, I really liked the writing style for Part 1, the flipping back and forth between telling the story and actually experiencing it, also, the way the author weaved together all these other stories inside their own—brilliant. I also loved the way the author writes the relationship between Alex and Raven as well as how Raven experiences migraines.
I’m rating it 4 stars only because I kinda disliked the way it ended.
This gave me major anime vibes. I could genuinely see this as a 13 episode full production anime on crunchy roll and I had a fun time reading the first third, but when we got to part 3 (the novella is split into 3 parts) I felt like it was so abrupt and the ending was kinda choppy? I don’t know there was something missing.
But, I really liked the writing style for Part 1, the flipping back and forth between telling the story and actually experiencing it, also, the way the author weaved together all these other stories inside their own—brilliant. I also loved the way the author writes the relationship between Alex and Raven as well as how Raven experiences migraines.
I’m rating it 4 stars only because I kinda disliked the way it ended.
March 4, 2023
I wanted to like this book so badly, unfortunately it felt q bit short for me. It might be because of the format. A novella didn't leave much room to expand about the magical elements yet we spent a big portion of the book recounting these same, seemingly unimportant in the big scheme of things and themes, elements.
What I like about the book: first the migraines description. It was so accurate it actually hurt. It was nice for once to see migraines portrayed as the hell they can be rather than a cute plot device.
The relationship between the main characters, Raven and Alex, was very cute and relatable as someone on the ace spectrum. The latter part of the book and their whole interaction is what I wanted the book to be more about. If we don't have time, scrap the magic and go for the heart and the exploration of human interconnections.
Overall, as a story I would rate it lower than 3 but because I like the themes explored, I will give it more grace. If the next book the author release is a book, I would give it a read. I feel like they put care in their craft, which is more than I can say for many authors, and there's potential for greatness somewhere in there
What I like about the book: first the migraines description. It was so accurate it actually hurt. It was nice for once to see migraines portrayed as the hell they can be rather than a cute plot device.
The relationship between the main characters, Raven and Alex, was very cute and relatable as someone on the ace spectrum. The latter part of the book and their whole interaction is what I wanted the book to be more about. If we don't have time, scrap the magic and go for the heart and the exploration of human interconnections.
Overall, as a story I would rate it lower than 3 but because I like the themes explored, I will give it more grace. If the next book the author release is a book, I would give it a read. I feel like they put care in their craft, which is more than I can say for many authors, and there's potential for greatness somewhere in there
February 11, 2023
I had the great fortune of getting to read In Shadowed Dreams, and I absolutely LOVED it?! Especially the character of Raven and the fictional assassin. I won't be going into too much detail, but I definitely recommend this to just about anybody— especially those with chronic disabilities and those identifying under the Asexual and Aromantic umbrella. This novella has spectacular representation for both, and as someone who identifies as greysexual I found myself connecting with this novella more and more. I think I even got a little teary eyed towards the very end. Everything about this novella is so intimate and emotional, with themes of friendship and pain and everything that comes with it. I genuinely look forward to what other books SJ has to publish. Everything is just so spectacularly written, and with so much heart behind it! Aaahhhh 😭😭💕
May 16, 2023
Like other readers, I recommend going into this book without reading the synopsis. You're in for a wild ride-- just sit back and enjoy the chaos. I am most thrilled by how well this book achieves character development. Creating compelling characters in a novella is no easy feat, and more often than not, my gripe with novellas is that the plot concept overtakes the characters. This book sacrifices neither its characters nor its plot despite its length. If you enjoy a fantasy novel with exceptional queer disability rep, this is the book for you.
March 16, 2023
But I need more?!?!??
This was really really good and fun and captivating, and a debut at that? Wut?
Love the way Raven's inner world and magic is connected to fiction and stories.
I'm astonished at how much can be packed in such a small amount of pages.
Here's wishing there's another book in the same world at some point. Will definitely follow this author to be updated of future books.
Thank you Rachel for the review that prompted me to preorder this ebook.
This was really really good and fun and captivating, and a debut at that? Wut?
Love the way Raven's inner world and magic is connected to fiction and stories.
I'm astonished at how much can be packed in such a small amount of pages.
Here's wishing there's another book in the same world at some point. Will definitely follow this author to be updated of future books.
Thank you Rachel for the review that prompted me to preorder this ebook.
May 3, 2023
A brilliant debut from author S. Judith Bernstein! Great characters and world-building that'll leave you wanting a sequel. Bernstein's unique voice and knack for writing realistic queer and disabled representation make this New-York-City-set fantasy a must-read. (Bookworms will especially appreciate this novella, as it makes references to many different literary works, and the two main characters' love for books is central to the plot!)
March 13, 2023
Short and sweet, In Shadowed Dreams uses its urban fantasy New York setting as a fantastic backdrop to what is ultimately a touching, character-focused story about Alex and Raven. While there was certainly room to expand upon the story and make it a full novel, focusing on the core of these two characters and their deep friendship gave the story significant heart that I can't fault.
The portrayal of chronic migraines, neurodivergence and queer representation were particular highlights that shine through the novella.
Overall, an excellent debut for the author. I look forward reading to their future projects.
The portrayal of chronic migraines, neurodivergence and queer representation were particular highlights that shine through the novella.
Overall, an excellent debut for the author. I look forward reading to their future projects.
March 1, 2023
Action -- Magic -- Chases -- fast moving scenes through the big city. And also exploration of identities through human characters and real human characteristics... wait: are they all real? All this, and in only about 120 pages, so the pages all but turn themselves!
March 15, 2023
This just fell short for me. I tried hard to like the novel but I couldn't,it may be it isn't my kind of novel,it could be that it is the storyline and how it was delivered but I just couldn't get into the book.
March 1, 2025
slow start, but . . . ::
I’m not very familiar with this genre of fiction so I was slow on getting in synch with what was happening, but then it came together for me.
Technically, the work is a treasure. The timeline and story context switches made it a
I’m not very familiar with this genre of fiction so I was slow on getting in synch with what was happening, but then it came together for me.
Technically, the work is a treasure. The timeline and story context switches made it a
December 5, 2024
I really enjoyed the premise of this book and was willing it to be a bit better. I think the main issue is the plot pacing, but having said that I enjoyed it.
January 24, 2025
An unconventional plot that explores some really cool themes and an interesting magic system, but still leaves enough room for quiet and intimate character moments x3
November 25, 2024
Amazing book!! The character's really shine through and some ideas and quote really made me think
I found the progression of Alex and Raven (and kind of Lorie) very endearing and slow reveal of everything and the build up of clues kept getting me! Everytime something was revealed I kept going "oh so thats why that happened!" Or "Oh that makes so much senses!"
I really liked Xanders character too! And that albeit small slice of his relationship to Lorie!! I loved when Alex and Raven found it hard to put into words how much they just cared about and trusted each other now!!
Over all amazing novel, its a wonder how you packed so much in there
I found the progression of Alex and Raven (and kind of Lorie) very endearing and slow reveal of everything and the build up of clues kept getting me! Everytime something was revealed I kept going "oh so thats why that happened!" Or "Oh that makes so much senses!"
I really liked Xanders character too! And that albeit small slice of his relationship to Lorie!! I loved when Alex and Raven found it hard to put into words how much they just cared about and trusted each other now!!
Over all amazing novel, its a wonder how you packed so much in there
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2025
I like the magical realism and urban fantasy vibes. Actually, kind of wish it was longer and able to explore the mages more. However, the info that we get and glimpses of the stories (past and present) are enough to give me an idea of the characters and their motivations. Enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews