Reviewed by Richard Prause for Readers' Favorite
Somnus' Palace by C.V. Vobh centers around Proto, a man who awakes in a hallway with knobless doors. Gradually, he finds himself inside a pub named Somnus’ Palace. Somnus, the Lord of Dreams, informs Proto that as a newbie in this enchanting world, he (Proto) has been assigned the role of a provisional visitor. As such, Proto can visit a person's dreams, aid them with their existing issues, and steer their dreams toward a positive ending. Under the guidance of Astrid, his mentor, Proto slowly gets the hang of his glamorous new gig. He even bonds with his co-workers while learning more about them and their enthralling world. Suddenly, they observe a frightening indication of an impending doom in the dreams they visit. Could this warning symbolize the end of their lives at Somnus’ Palace or something more elusive?
Somnus' Palace offers a world brimming with creativity, intrigue, humor, and a touch of romance. Proto's experiences as a provisional visitor are full of fascinating encounters and unimaginable dreamscapes. C.V. Vobh crafts the most breathtaking and evocative dream sequences ever covered in fantasy. Every profound dream Proto visits (and the dreamer attached to that dream) is exceptionally different. Some dreams touch on themes like inner insecurities, while others border on hidden goals and wishes. Each character that Proto engages with adds vitality to the storyline and helps contribute to Proto's character evolution in one way or another. The author's writing is both vivid and immersive, urging readers to surrender themselves to this compelling tale from start to finish. This novel is best suited for readers who enjoy books with impressive dreamscapes and intriguing world-building.