Last year I read what I consider one of the best books I’ve ever read: The Poison Season by Mara Rutherford. It was so intimate, quiet in a way where you felt you walked every single step left by its protagonists. Where every scene breathed to life, every hurt caused pain, every joy giddily experienced, and every love come swooningly true. It was perfect. Needless to say: A Multitude of Dreams had high standards to reach.

And met each and every one.

This book cements me as a forever fan of Rutherford, who will devour every future work she publishes.

I loved it.


》Setting the Stage《

Typically I begin a review discussing protagonist(s), but here let me gush at the way the entire atmosphere of this book was brought to life in such a brilliant way.

There’s such an intimate nature to the narrative, not in terms of romance, but in terms of immediacy, the feeling you’re right at the edge of your seat, how the goosebumps prickle your skin, the hairs that raise on your neck, your breath catching in your throat at every revelation. There is intrigue, suspicion, and danger creeping at every corner. At times it felt they were encroaching upon the reader, watching over your shoulder, lingering just behind a closed door…narrowing in on you. Shudders. And I LOVE it.

The story develops in a way that I think you can absolutely tell where it’s going but you need to see it with your own two eyes. You may guess right, but the experience still feels raw and fresh. The stakes are raised high and there’s no telling where a path may led— and who may or may not make it out alive. But you have to find out. You just do.

And that is exciting to read.


》Seraphina《

My beautiful, wistful Seraphina. We learn a significant spoiler concerning her towards the very beginning, but I want to keep that vague for you to experience it as it’s delivered.

For now, let me say the following.

I loved her. I felt I took every single step alongside her. I felt her curiosity, her hope, her desires, her longing, and her fears, but also her strengths. She always chooses to persevere, even if she isn’t fit for a task she wants to help. She wants to be active in decision-making, especially as that’s been ripped from her for so long. I also love how readily she protected her identity and heritage, never forgetting it. Not once.

She’s a gorgeous lead and I’d be so happy to follow her anywhere.


》Nico《

Nico! His arc in particular holds the most intrigue and eeriness. I felt as if I was piecing all the hints together just as he did, in real time. And feeling the horror emerge just as it did for him. I love how perceptive and astute a character he is— and also simply how good he is. So valiant, loyal, steadfast, and good. A protector of the innocent, a young man striving to secure a the best future for all. I was anticipating the moment he would meet Seraphina, and all I shall say: I was not disappointed!


》The Romance《

The closest nitpick I came to was in the romance. And this is the reason why, if asked, I’ll say I prefer The Poison Season. Because that book brought romance more to the front and center, but in this one, it’s more a supporting cast member on a stage set for bigger things.

The romance takes a back seat to everything else. It’s absolutely there. But it’s so very gently and slowly made, there’s promise and hope for it, but it’s not the main focus. Connection is the main focus, not romance. However, I can’t detract from my rating because, although I am a romance reader above all, I think it was a wise choice not to center it in this book.

This book was about about personal journeys into self, identity, and power. Romance is a beautiful added touch, but it’s not one that needed to take focus away from the main event.

I can’t find fault in this decision, but my silly little lovey dovey heart would have welcomed more because I absolutely adored what we did get!


》The Truth in One’s Name《

There’s an eerie feeling that continually develops as the story unrolls, a feeling you’re being closed in at every corner, and it brought so much excitement to the page! But there’s also this quiet, intimate feel of the power in learning one’s self, in knowing who you are and holding on so tight to your core. To who you are, to yourself and to others. It’s about individual power into self, the empowerment in connections, and the light caress of love that helps us face every potential future ahead.

What a journey this one was!

Thank you to NetGalley and Mara Rutherford’s Street Team for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review!