Is Dreamcursed the Ultimate Fantasy Romance? Find Out!
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In the kingdom of Heliosia, nightmares are mere fables, meant to frighten children into obedience. Until they come to life. Dreamcursed by C.K. Franziska pulls readers into a world where reality and darkness blur. Beginning with Balor’s narrow escape from a brutal rebellion and betrayal. Wounded and on the run from his ruthless brother, he stumbles into forbidden woods, only to awaken under the watchful eye of Titania, a mysterious woman whose secrets are as dark as the forest itself.
As Balor uncovers the truth about his kingdom’s haunting past, he learns that nightmares are not just stories. They are real. With the return of the Master of Nightmares, Balor must confront the chilling reality that everything he knows is a lie. Will he save his siblings from their twisted family, or will Titania lead him into a nightmare far worse than he ever imagined? Dreamcursed is a thrilling journey through betrayal, secrets, and a kingdom on the brink of collapse.

Title: Dreamcursed (Veil of Fire, 1)
Author: C.K. Franziska
Genre: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance
Release: January 14, 2025
Pages: 382
Star Rating: 4.5 stars
Spice Rating: 0 chili peppers (this is a slow burn)
As Darkness Spills Across the Lands…
It isn’t often I read books and say “This is going to be good” one chapter in. Usually, this statement comes later (often much later) as I’m devouring the pages as if I haven’t read in months. But Dreamcursed! This is a book that needs to be on EVERYONE’S TBR for 2025!
From the moment I opened the pages of Dreamcursed, the world of Heliosia pulled me in. C.K. Franziska has crafted a kingdom steeped in mystery and danger, where nightmares are no longer just stories. They are real, tangible threats. The setting feels like a character in itself, with the forbidden woods, the looming shadow of Shadowfall, and the eerie, almost otherworldly atmosphere of the realm. The way Franziska brings Heliosia to life makes it impossible not to feel like you’re walking alongside Balor through its dark corners. Never knowing what hidden terror awaits just beyond the trees.
Once the eerie landscape of Heliosia is set, the story delves deeper into the characters’ struggles. Using the kingdom’s dark atmosphere to heighten the tension and complexity of their journeys. At times, Balor comes off as a coward, (later admitting it to himself, we love a self-aware king). More than anything he wants to save his siblings from his father and tyrannical wife. Hesitating in moments when courage is needed most. Yet, this vulnerability adds depth to his character, making him feel all the more real amidst the story’s fantastical elements.
“And how do I explain harboring a Nightmare inside my house?”
Compared to Balor almost being an open book, Titiana is shrouded in mystery. She is heavily guarded regarding her life, including her past. She never really opened up or trusted anyone despite her feelings for Balor and his brothers (platonic feelings for his brothers.. Balor not so much lol). Questions form as I am reading from her POV. And the deeper I fall into the story the more questions I have (read it so we can chat about it in the comments or on Instagram).
The world-building in Dreamcursed is as much a character as any of its inhabitants. The setting feels integral to the story itself, with every detail adding to the looming sense of impending doom. The dual moons—one silver, one bronze—are not mere celestial bodies; they are the catalysts for everything. Every few centuries, their alignment signals the approach of Shadowfall. As they eventually coalesce, individual gates open, releasing Nightmares into Heliosia, and unleashing darkness upon the land.
The story spirals and swirls like ink spilling across the ground, merging into something darker, something more solid. It’s a tale that feels balanced yet ever-deepening, drawing you in like time lost in the dark. The more you read, the darker it becomes, glittering like a starlit sky on the most beautiful, haunting night.

“At least one of them is indeed moving, slowly but unmistakably shifting its position in the night sky.”
My biggest gripe with the plot is the late introduction of the namesake ‘Dreamcursed.’ It’s not until the end of the book that the term is even mentioned. And when it does appear, it feels somewhat out of place. While I understand it’s meant to serve as a launching point for book two, I believe it would have added more depth to the story if it had been alluded to earlier. Introducing this concept sooner would have provided readers with an additional thread to grasp onto, building more anticipation and connection throughout the narrative.
In addition, at times the story feels a little repetitive, which pulls you out of the immersion, making you feel like you’re retracing steps you’ve already taken. While I can’t entirely fault the reading material (since I read an uncorrected proof), I hope the final version had a round of edits to smooth out these moments.
Despite this, Dreamcursed is still the kind of book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. As I turned each page, I felt as if I was on the cusp of something monumental. The tension, the action, and the atmospheric world-building make this story perfect for the big screen. Throughout, I was tight with anticipation, my heart beating in rhythm with the pulse of the narrative. It’s exhilarating, like standing on the precipice of darkness, daring to step into the unknown. The twists and intensity would have moviegoers gripped, just as I was while reading.
“How Can you follow the sun blindly without even knowing why?”
Overall, Dreamcursed is a must-read for anyone craving a book that blends dark fantasy with heart-pounding excitement. With its haunting world-building, intense action, and a plot that grips you like a nightmare come to life, this book is sure to captivate anyone who loves to escape into worlds that are as dangerous as they are thrilling. From curiosity to the moments in the Veil of Fire book one that keep you turning pages, Dreamcursed delivers an unforgettable experience. While there are a few bumps along the way, particularly with repetition and the late reveal of the title’s meaning, the story still stands tall, shining like a starlit sky over Heliosia’s darkest corners. If you’re looking to add something unforgettable to your TBR, this book should be at the top of your list for 2025.
Pick up a copy of Dreamcursed now on C.K. Franziska’s website. Dreamcursed releases on January 14! I don’t know how I am going to wait until book two comes out.
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