Dreamslayer: A Novel

From the bestselling author of the Five Crowns of Okrith series comes Dreamslayer, the first book in a dark romantasy series in which a devout acolyte must form an unholy alliance with the very monsters she was trained to destroy in a desperate quest for the truth—and her survival.

She was meant to become a dream. Instead, she fell in love with a nightmare.

Acolyte Praer Dundariff is only one year away from her ascension to the dream world, but when her friend dies with a chilling warning, Praer’s world fractures. Praer seeks comfort in the one place she can be her true self: her dreams. Inspired by a beautiful statue in the temple gallery, Praer imagines being in the arms of a dream warrior named Reverie.

But instead of the normal sleepy comfort of Reverie’s embrace, Praer loses control of her dream and Reverie gives her a violent warning never to return. As more temple secrets emerge, Praer abandons Reverie’s wishes and seeks her out in sleep. After all, Reverie is just a figment of Praer’s imagination, isn’t she? But when Praer returns to her dream, she discovers she’s not asleep at all but rather she’s portalled herself, not to the dream realm, but to Hell. Worse, the woman she’s fantasized about for years isn’t a dream at all, but a nightmare incarnate.

Trapped in Hell, Reverie knows that Praer is the only way to break her curse. Along with her other nightmare companions, Reverie drags Praer on a harrowing journey to the gates of Hell. On a death-defying quest to assemble the key to the gate, Praer finds herself caught between destruction and desire. Reverie is her sworn enemy and Praer knows if she can’t resist the pull of her nightmare, more than her heart will break.

"The High Mountain Court by A. K. Mulford is a beautiful, enchanting NA fantasy...If you love stories about the fae, deadly machinations, and powerful magic? Do yourself a favour and get this book." - Immersed in Books

“I was taken by the expert dismantling of the gender binary amidst a quest that is sexy, romantic, and heroic all at once.”  - Book Riot

“A steamy romance between Calla and Grae unfolds amid battles against monsters and dark magic, intertwined with Calla’s fight against patriarchy and oppression and her burgeoning acceptance of her own genderqueerness. This series is off to an exciting start.”  - Publishers Weekly on A River of Golden Bones

“A beautiful journey of self-discovery and queer identity, filled with heart-stopping romance and page-turning adventure. A River of Golden Bones is a must read for fantasy and romance readers alike. I couldn’t put it down!” - Cait Jacobs, author of Medievally Blonde

“I inhaled this novel. A River of Golden Bones by A.K. Mulford is a gorgeously written queer fairytale fantasy conjured with the bones of wicked worldbuilding and laced with decadent spice. Get ready to devour this wolfish tale.” - Charissa Weaks, bestselling author of The Witch Collector

"The High Mountain Court has become one of my favorite reads of the year. Actually, scratch that, it has become one of my favorite fantasy books of all time. Magic, faeries, witches, adventure, mystery, and romance – this book has all the trappings of a captivating story...An entrancing, escapist fantasy that is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas." - Bookish Wayfarer

"The High Mountain Court is such a refreshing take on fae and witch stories that I used to be obsessed with but got bored of. This book drew me right back into this folklore and had me itching for more. I can’t wait for book two of this fun, sweet, steamy, and intricate series." - Bookish Brews

“The Evergreen Heir is a fun, light read that kept me turning the pages with the tension built around the main characters, and touched upon enough of the setting to make me want to pick up the previous entries in The Five Crowns of Okrith.” - Fantasy Book Critic

“This slow-burning friends to lovers romance is an endearing and heartfelt moment in the series. The underlying theme of self-identity and self-worth not being tied to a physical attribute but rather to the merits as a human is represented in a thoughtful and empowering storyline. Neelo’s journey eloquently showcases how everyone deserves unconditional love and the respect of being their true selves.” - Manhattan Book Reviews on The Evergreen Heir

“A beautiful journey of self-discovery and queer identity, filled with heart-stopping romance and page-turning adventure. A River of Golden Bones is a must read for fantasy and romance readers alike. I couldn’t put it down!” - Cait Jacobs, author of Medievally Blonde

“I inhaled this novel. A River of Golden Bones by A.K. Mulford is a gorgeously written queer fairytale fantasy conjured with the bones of wicked worldbuilding and laced with decadent spice. Get ready to devour this wolfish tale.” - Charissa Weaks, bestselling author The Witch Collector

“The relationship between Calla and these performers becomes the most compelling part of the book, giving rise to questions about gender and the difference between a protector and a tyrant. Defeating evil is important, sure—but the real thrill is finding people who make you want to be your fullest self. It’s lovely, life-affirming stuff.”  - Washington Post on A River of Golden Bones

“I was taken by the expert dismantling of the gender binary amidst a quest that is sexy, romantic, and heroic all at once.”  - Book Riot on A River of Golden Bones

"One of the most moving books I’ve read in quite a while...I really, really liked the way that gender fluidity was explained and addressed within Calla’s story. I thought that the example of someone else who was completely comfortable with who they were, what they looked like and how they presented was a really powerful thing. The realization for Calla was such a relief, and the opportunity to come to terms with it before it’s inevitably used as a weapon was crucial. Really, really beautifully done!" - The Book Review Crew

“Mulford combines steamy scenes with palace intrigue and fearsome battles...Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout, this fantasy romance is recommended.”  - Booklist on The Rogue Crown

"If you’re looking for a queer story about love, shape shifters and curses, then you have to read A River of Golden Bones. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I ended up finishing this one earlier than expected because I had to know what happened next...If you love shapeshifters, stories about overcoming odds and re-examining our beliefs, and politics, this is for you. It’s a series I know I’ll be keeping up with." - Utopia State of Mind

“The Evergreen Heir is a fun, light read that kept me turning the pages with the tension built around the main characters, and touched upon enough of the setting to make me want to pick up the previous entries in The Five Crowns of Okrith.”

“This slow-burning friends to lovers romance is an endearing and heartfelt moment in the series. The underlying theme of self-identity and self-worth not being tied to a physical attribute but rather to the merits as a human is represented in a thoughtful and empowering storyline. Neelo’s journey eloquently showcases how everyone deserves unconditional love and the respect of being their true selves.”

“Magic, faeries, witches, adventure, mystery, and romance—this book has all the trappings of a captivating story...An entrancing, escapist fantasy that is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas.” - Bookish Wayfarer

"Mulford skillfully broadens the universe of their series, shifting focus onto humanity’s role in the looming wolf war. Infighting and betrayal abound among the wolves, while steamy scenes and forbidden love add bite to the story. This will keep series readers on the edge of their seats." - Publishers Weekly

"A steamy romance between Calla and Grae unfolds amid battles against monsters and dark magic, intertwined with Calla’s fight against patriarchy and oppression and her burgeoning acceptance of her own genderqueerness. This series is off to an exciting start."  - Publishers Weekly

"Mulford combines steamy scenes with palace intrigue and fearsome battles. Newcomers should start with book one, but series fans will be enthralled with Bri and Lina’s story. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout, this fantasy romance is recommended for all public-library collections.”  - Booklist

"Mumford’s romantic fantasy plays with fairy tales, explores gender roles and societal expectation, and starts a delightful trilogy of wolf royalty." - Library Journal

"An incredible book. From the depth of the characters to the beautifully described scenery. The sense of mild humor even when things are tough and the overarching sense of loyalty. This is a found family book and it shows in their interactions. I didn’t want this book to end and, now that it has, I can’t wait to read the next one." - Nonbinary Knights Reads and Reviews

"I was attracted to A River of Golden Bones because of the fairy tale elements to the story – the sleeping curse, a princess named Briar, you know, the usual. Once I got into it though, I realized that there was so much more to love about the book. It’s one of those books that just sucks you in and makes you want to keep reading into the night."  - Smexy Books

"The relationship between Calla and these performers becomes the most compelling part of the book, giving rise to questions about gender and the difference between a protector and a tyrant. Defeating evil is important, sure — but the real thrill is finding people who make you want to be your fullest self. It’s lovely, life-affirming stuff.”  - Washington Post