Cage of Dreams

By: Rebecca Schaeffer

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

In this thrilling sequel and conclusion to the City of Nightmares duology, which has been praised as "so much fun readers will stay up all night to finish it" (Kirkus, starred review), Ness is forced to make a twisted deal with the Nightmare Phantom—only to find herself embroiled in the explosive fallout of the agreement when a botched assassination attempt unleashes chaos into the City of Newham.

Nineteen-year-old Ness used to have a vehement terror of Nightmares—people who’d been turned into their worst fears while they slept. Through two assassination attempts, an explosion, and a faustian bargain with a dream demon, she’s finally working through those fears.

Unfortunately, Nightmares aren’t the only dangerous thing in Newham. Working at a speakeasy where gunfights are common and death is a regular occurrence, Ness is forced to reckon with all her other fears—including her fear of mortality. It’s easy to die in Newham, but it’s hard to live.

So when the Nightmare Phantom—the monster that turns people into Nightmares—shows up, asking her another favor, she agrees, but only if he turns her into a Nightmare. One of her own choosing, something bullet proof and strong and able to live without fear.

But when Ness’s attempt to fulfill the bargain goes wrong, things start to spiral out of control. Now, Ness is in the crosshairs of enemies old and new, and this time, she can’t run from her problems. If she wants to survive, she’s going to have to conquer the most difficult enemy of all: herself.

©2023 Rebecca Schaeffer (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

I enjoyed this as much as the first!

Really liked this series. Mad fantasy fan; if you are also try these books. Has a little something for people with nightmares.

Fabulous

I loved both of these books. A refreshing and unique story line. The only downside is this appears to be the end.

Death by napkins … and monologues

“I sense an impending villain monologue.”
Yep, villain monologues, Ness’s inner monologues, the Nightmare’s monologues … there was a lot of thinking, philosophizing, and debating what it means to be human, the bounds of friendship,
or the extent of Ness’s cowardice. So. Many. Monologues.

“Maybe I can just sit here for a few hours and pretend I’m a rock. I should have been born a rock.
Yes, I know rocks aren’t born. No, I don’t care to change my metaphor.”
Also, a lot of morals, sayings, and telling us what theme the author wished to bash us over the head with. Like “ignorance is bliss” or these are “Faustian bargains” or “if you always look ahead instead of
behind you, you’ll never know how far you’ve come.” Yes, yes, we get it … be careful what you wish for.

“Why didn’t he face x himself? Why did he get me to do this instead of just doing it himself?”
Because there’s never enough inner monologues. Why say it with one sentence when two will do?

“That’s how you know a place is classy: they tell you where to do your murdering.”
If you can survive the monologues, and the slow set up in the first half, there’s a darkly clever story with more snark and heart than in book 1. Next to The Nightmare, Pria was my favorite character; she’s got that ride or die fearlessness and livens up every scene she’s in.

“But it’s his eyes that unsettled me … a black hole, a dark abyss, like something was
scooped right out of the universe, and all that’s left is the absence of existence.”
The hook that sells this duology is clearly The Phantom Nightmare and the Gotham goes Salvador Dali vibe that comes of people turning into their wildest nightmares. The Pterodactyl is back, along with some really trippy nightmares. Sometimes it defied credulity that anyone could survive in a world gone nightmare mad.

“Um, I say eloquently.”
This remained sex and religion free, but did have at least three F bombs and one GD. The violence has a definite horror aspect, with a focus on eyeballs, all well within YA, comic book levels.
I would’ve liked a lot less telling, but the showing was darkly entertaining.

Great book

really good book 10/10 I really did stay up to finish it been waiting for it to come out for a few months after I discovered the first book I listened to it in a day just like this one

Great story that is unique

Love this story, it is so unique and was a great listen. My only critique would be that the same point would be reiterated ALOT and reiterated a lot through monologues. There was A LOT of inner monologuing. But otherwise, a story I haven't heard of before with great characters and narrator that was easy to listen to.

Great ending to the story

Loved both books so much. Some of my favorites of this year. Engaging and beautifully written.

Just as good as the first

Kept me hooked just like the first book! I’m pleasantly surprise! I look forward to a third?

Fun World

Overall great duology. Exciting and unique world, likeable characters, good writing. and Saskia narrating.. Can't go wrong. Ness inner monologues do get repetitive, like shut up already Ness you have repeated the same thing in your head every 5 mins lol. but still great book and amazing narration. worth the read.

Just as good as the First book

Wish both the first and this book got more love and attention. Definitely worth the buy