City of Nightmares

Face your fear . . . or become your nightmare.

City of Nightmares by Rebecca Schaeffer is a thrilling young adult fantasy that deftly combines the dark, atmospheric elements of Gotham with the dreamlike surrealism of Strange the Dreamer. This gripping narrative centres on a cowardly girl named Ness, who finds herself entangled in a dangerous conspiracy within a city dominated by corrupt politicians, malevolent cults, and the eerie consequences of one's darkest dreams.

In a city that never sleeps, dreams come with a terrifying price. Ever since her sister turned into a man-eating spider, Ness has been petrified of awakening as her own nightmare. The constant fear is inescapable in a place where falling asleep means potentially transforming into one's most dreaded nightmare.

Desperate for protection, Ness aligns herself with the Friends of the Restful Soul, a group whose true nature is suspect. To prove her loyalty and value, she takes on what appears to be a straightforward task. However, the mission takes a disastrous turn, leaving Ness amidst the fallout of a devastating explosion.

The chaos binds Ness to the only other survivor, a boy who has manifested as a nightmare with his own mysterious goals. Together, they must navigate their way back to the city and unravel the disturbing truth behind the attack that has thrown their lives into upheaval.

Rebecca Schaeffer weaves a mesmerizing tale filled with suspense, dark intrigue, and fantastical elements that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. City of Nightmares is a compelling exploration of fear, identity, and resilience, set against the backdrop of a sinister urban landscape where nightmares become reality.