Nightmare is the gripping sequel to Nightingale, shifting the focus from Rian’s court in Carylim to Vrea’s home in Niroula. With Vrea back in a position of power, the tables have turned—this time, Castil is the one at her mercy. But survival in Niroula is just as treacherous as it was in Carylim, and with war looming, neither Vrea nor Castil can afford to trust the wrong person.
This book deepens everything that made Nightingale compelling: the complex relationships, the moral dilemmas, and the political intrigue. With a slower burn and higher stakes, Nightmare is a story of shifting loyalties, dangerous desires, and the fine line between love and betrayal.
The story doesn’t pick up exactly where we left off but instead takes a step back in time, offering new context for the characters before moving forward. This shift in perspective is especially impactful as Nightmare introduces Castil as Vrea’s counterpart, giving us a much-needed look at his past and his role in their story.
Where Nightingale was about survival in an enemy court, Nightmare is about reclaiming power—and realizing how little control anyone truly has. Vrea and Castil’s dynamic flips completely, but instead of simply mirroring their past, this book explores the complexities of their new reality. It’s not just a role reversal; it’s a deeper dive into what power, trust, and love really mean when everything is at stake.
The shift to Niroula also adds new depth to the worldbuilding, showcasing a court that, while brutal in its own ways, operates on entirely different rules. Seeing the political structures, the Queen’s influence, and the relationships between Vrea and her siblings gives us a more complete picture of the war that has shaped their lives. Unlike Carylim, where siblings were bred as weapons, Niroula’s royal family is trained to rule. That distinction changes everything—especially how the Queen and her children approach survival.
Reversed Roles, New Perspectives
One of the most compelling aspects of Nightmare is its role reversal. In Nightingale, Vrea was a prisoner in Carylim, at Rian’s mercy. Now, the story unfolds in Niroula, where Vrea is the princess and Castil is her slave. This shift doesn’t just alter their power dynamics—it redefines how we see both characters.
Vrea, despite having absolute power over Castil, remains considerate. Her decision to immediately assure him that he will not suffer sexual violence is a defining moment—not just in their relationship but in showing who she is. Having spent years fearing that very thing, especially from Castil, Vrea consciously breaks the cycle. This moment carries immense weight because, at this point in the story, she still hates him. If it had been Rian in Castil’s position, it wouldn’t have meant as much—but because Castil was once her captor, her choice highlights her strength and principles.
On the other hand, Castil’s journey is one of self-awareness and painful realizations. Unlike in the first book, where his actions could be seen as calculated or even cruel, Nightmare reveals just how deeply conflicted he was. We see how he fell in love with Vrea despite knowing she was the enemy, how he convinced himself he could protect her while still serving his people, and how, even now, he struggles with his own self-worth.
The Politics of Niroula – A Different Kind of War
The change in setting also brings a new political landscape. The Carylim court was brutal, with heirs treated as weapons rather than rulers. In contrast, Niroula’s Queen, while still encouraging competition among her children, feels more human. She has motivations beyond simple power, and for the first time, the reasoning behind the war feels almost justified. The contrast between the two courts is striking—Vrea’s siblings may still be rivals, but their relationships are more nuanced. Unlike Carylim’s constant bloodshed, Niroula’s heirs focus more on survival. Even the Queen’s insistence that all her children learn to rule, rather than simply fight, sets her apart.
Vrea’s relationship with her family is another highlight. In Nightingale, her primary connection was with Rian, but now we see her dynamics with her brothers, especially Teminos. Teminos is one of the first people to see Castil as something other than a pawn or an enemy, and his acceptance of Castil’s feelings for Vrea adds a layer of complexity. Instead of outright opposing the relationship, he supports it—not because he believes in romance, but because he recognizes how Castil’s presence impacts Vrea’s personal growth.
Intimacy, Control, and Trust
A major difference between Nightmare and Nightingale is the way sex and intimacy are portrayed. There isn’t necessarily more spice in this book, but discussions of sex as a tool—whether for power, manipulation, or emotional connection—are more prevalent. The book explores the fine line between desire and control, and what it means for intimacy to be freely given rather than taken.
The slow-burn romance between Vrea and Castil is handled exceptionally well. Though Castil’s love for Vrea is a constant, he is given time to see her as she truly is—not as the idealized version he once imagined. Likewise, Vrea’s realization of Rian’s repeated abandonment is crucial. In the first book, she focused on his return, but in Nightmare, she understands that he had to leave her in the first place. The contrast between Rian, who repeatedly walks away, and Castil, who never does—even when he has every reason to—is one of the most powerful aspects of the book.
One particularly emotional moment is Castil’s conversation with Vrea about slaves “performing” in intimate situations. Vrea, without ever intending to use Castil that way, still ensures that he understands he has a choice. The fact that she is concerned about his comfort—even in a situation where she holds all the power—speaks volumes about her character.
A Story That Takes Its Time
The pacing of Nightmare is slower, spanning several months rather than days or weeks. While some might find this pacing less urgent than the first book, I loved how it reflected the reality of their world. Even in a fantasy setting, life doesn’t pause for romance or war. There are still political meetings, training, and daily responsibilities. This slower approach makes the emotional moments feel earned rather than rushed.
Another element that stands out is the way twists are woven into the story. Instead of being heavily foreshadowed, events unfold naturally, making them feel more shocking and immediate. One moment, two characters are having an ordinary conversation—then suddenly, everything shifts. These moments hit hard, keeping the reader on edge.
Final Thoughts
Nightmare is a powerful sequel that doesn’t just continue the story—it recontextualizes everything we thought we knew about these characters. It takes everything that made the first book compelling—complex relationships, political intrigue, moral dilemmas—and pushes them even further. Vrea and Castil’s dynamic is one of the most fascinating aspects of the book, as their roles shift and they slowly come to understand each other. The romance is slower but far more rewarding, with every moment between them carrying weight.
With its intricate world, morally complex characters, and unpredictable twists, Nightmare cements this series as a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and slow-burn tension.
