Blind the Eyes ~ K.A. Wiggins (Threads of Dreams #1)

★★★★★

Actual rating: 4.5

I received a digital review copy from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. My opinion is in no way influenced by the author, publisher, or distributor.

For fans of Divergent and This Savage Song, Blind the Eyes is a fantasy dystopian post-apocalyptic adventure of dreams, choice, and desire, and the nightmares that feed on us.

It had been a dream, and dreams lie. Dreams cannot be trusted. Dreams lure you in with promises of your heart's desire, of everything you hope for, of fantasy and fiction made flesh. And then as soon as you reach for paradise, they turn and crush you.

The Writing and Worldbuilding

Our protagonist is a shy, hardworking girl just trying to get through probation, so she can become a real worker and earn the golden band that will protect her dreams from the Mara, sinister shadowy creatures who lurk in the darkness of your desires and pose a very real physical threat, but before she can get that, she has to learn to deal with her ghost, Cadence. But then her world completely changes when she finds a dead body and is, strangely, drawn to it, sending her into a world of dreams and nightmares. Now she has to find an ally, someone powerful and capable, to stop the darkness and get the people of Refuge to safety, but she's learning new things about herself and her world, and she doesn't quite know who or what she can trust.

The first few chapters of this were somewhat difficult to get into, and I found myself somewhat confused at first, but once I got into it, I was totally hooked. The writing style is pretty unique, relying heavily on poetic-type prose and metaphorical imagery, which sometimes made what was actually happening a little unclear, but overall was excellent and made for a beautifully told story.

I loved how the world felt very real and unique despite the common aspects it shares with many other YA dystopias and urban fantasies. When it had a chance to break the mold, it did. There are hints of a love triangle, but the story is not very focused on romance, so it didn't bother me at all. The atmosphere was really tangible too, which added a level of realism to this fantastical adventure.

I loved the symbolism, motifs, and themes in this. The similarities and differences between grey Refuge, the oppressive society Cole serves, and the hedonistic, colorful Freedom were masterfully crafted.

The plot twists and character deaths were shocking and effective, and with each chapter, I felt more and more drawn in. I truly enjoyed this.

"It's okay to want things, Cole. It's okay to go after them, too."

The Characters

Cole: Cole's arc in this is wonderful, and I sincerely loved her and cared for her as a protagonist. She is caring and clumsy, and more than she seems.

"We’re strong, Cole. You just have to stop believing that all your strengths are wrong. Fight back. Stop waiting. Stop looking for someone else to save us. We’re enough, right now, just as we are."

Cadence: Cole's ghost, Cadence, is an imaginative yet determined girl who just wants Cole to think clearly and do what's right for everyone, not just herself. She was honestly so funny sometimes with her snarky commentary, especially about Ravel and Ange, but she proved to be a sincere and wonderful character, who I really cared about.

"Not safe," I say, wondering if only using very short, clumsy sentences is what he means by being special.

Ravel: Ravel is honestly so great as a character. He's basically a morally dubious fairy prince who isn't a fairy but is kind of a prince. He's charming, but manipulative, and craves control in all things, a desire that he indulges in Freedom, his little party city, and in his vision of Victoire, his dream of who and what Cole should be.

I close my eyes. Golden light shines through my eyelids in wavering patterns of red and yellow. Figures dance and sway in the light, dark eyes flashing. I feel Victoire’s eagerness rise as if it were my own. It ebbs almost in the same instant. What do I care for the pulse of a beat, for the eyes of many, for the touch of heat and sweat? That is Victoire’s passion, not mine. I will not succumb. I am not Ravel’s dream of me.

Ange: She isn't touched on too much in the book, but is definitely an important player in the plot, and will play a key role in the sequel, I'm sure. She's strong and sassy, and fights for what she believes in, despite the cost.

Too many children have suffered. Too many families have been broken. Too many girls have grown up alone. Or not at all. I won’t let them ruin anyone else.

Sevorate: His introduction could have been done a tad better, but I did really enjoy his character and the intensity he brought to the story. He was honestly a surprise, and I was really happy with where his character went in the story.

Ash: He was probably the weakest character, but he also wasn't really focused on a whole lot. I liked what he represented in the story though. He was the mcguffin for the most part.

Conclusion

I thoroughly enjoyed this, which is great, because the cover is freaking gorgeous. I am eagerly awaiting the second book, which comes out next year, and I will get my hands on the prequel novella you can get by signing up for the newsletter on K.A. Wiggin's website ASAP.

Failure. An echo of the Mara’s voice—or maybe it’s my own—hisses in my ear. No. Not a failure, but . . . not quite finished. I am enough—for now. But I could be more. I want to be more.

Buy the book here:

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