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City of Day
City of Day – Deadly by Night
By day, Astera is a bustling port city with shops, markets, shipyards, and people going about their day to day lives. But every night when the sun sets, the people of Astera board ships and abandon their home to dark, murderous ghosts -- The Vaim.
Thislen lost his father to the vengeful spirits years ago and has barely survived on the streets as a common thief since. He dreams of escaping the dark truths of the island for good, but a family secret keeps him tied to the island and the oppressive Ruling Council. When he finds he is not the only one avoiding the entitled and sadistic gaze of Astera’s nobility, Thislen plans to help the gentle healer Mila leave everything behind to save them both - him from secrets and her from an unwanted marriage.
However, Lord Soren Bestant, head of the Ruling Council and spurned suitor, won’t let them go so easily. Caught and sentenced to a night on the island and the mercy of the Vaim, Thislen’s only hope is to reveal his family’s secret to save them, or die. But Mila’s family has a secret of its own, as does the Ruling Council.
The Vaim are not what they seem -- and the fate of the kingdom hangs on the truth.
City of Day is the first novel of Astera from October K. Santerelli ( Storm’s Eye ).
By day, Astera is a bustling port city with shops, markets, shipyards, and people going about their day to day lives. But every night when the sun sets, the people of Astera board ships and abandon their home to dark, murderous ghosts -- The Vaim.
Thislen lost his father to the vengeful spirits years ago and has barely survived on the streets as a common thief since. He dreams of escaping the dark truths of the island for good, but a family secret keeps him tied to the island and the oppressive Ruling Council. When he finds he is not the only one avoiding the entitled and sadistic gaze of Astera’s nobility, Thislen plans to help the gentle healer Mila leave everything behind to save them both - him from secrets and her from an unwanted marriage.
However, Lord Soren Bestant, head of the Ruling Council and spurned suitor, won’t let them go so easily. Caught and sentenced to a night on the island and the mercy of the Vaim, Thislen’s only hope is to reveal his family’s secret to save them, or die. But Mila’s family has a secret of its own, as does the Ruling Council.
The Vaim are not what they seem -- and the fate of the kingdom hangs on the truth.
City of Day is the first novel of Astera from October K. Santerelli ( Storm’s Eye ).
- GenresFantasy
302 pages, Paperback
Published February 23, 2023
13 people are currently reading
411 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 28, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ October Santerelli’s City of Day throws you directly into the action from page one, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the final page. The story’s twists and turns are as numerous as the alleyways of Astera, the characters as multi-faceted as the factions of the city.
Astera is plagued by dangerous shadow-creatures that appear when the sun goes down. To avoid them, the city takes to ships and sails away from the port every night. We meet Thislen, a thief who has learned to survive on his own; and Mila, a sheltered girl trying to find her independence and place in the world. Their paths intertwine when Thislen finds himself at Mila’s father’s apothecary and decides to repay his debt by helping Mila. This decision opens the door to a world of secrets and political corruption. I enjoyed following Thislen as he learned to rely on and trust others; and Mila as she learned to trust herself.
The plot is a fresh take on tropes fantasy readers will be familiar with: found family, good versus evil, monsters, and a world rich in lore. It’s clear that October has planned his series well. This book has just enough foreshadowing to lead to the sequel while still revealing secrets along the way to effortlessly drive the plot forward.
With political intrigue and generational secrets, this book kept me guessing, wondering what would happen next. Every time I thought I knew what was coming, the plot took a turn in a totally different direction. This quote sums it up well: “Every time he thought he found an answer, it just revealed more questions.”
I looked over my notes and highlights, and I can honestly say I don’t have anything negative to say about this book. In fact, one of my notes is, “This gets even better with each page.” If I had one critique, t’s that the story slows down after the first chapter and doesn’t truly pick back up until about a third of the way in. However, this slower section of the book is developing relationships between characters and introducing us to important plot points - so while it is slower than the rest of the story, it’s still important and keeps the plot moving forward.
A big thank you to October for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC. I can’t wait to continue following Thislen and Mila’s journey.
Astera is plagued by dangerous shadow-creatures that appear when the sun goes down. To avoid them, the city takes to ships and sails away from the port every night. We meet Thislen, a thief who has learned to survive on his own; and Mila, a sheltered girl trying to find her independence and place in the world. Their paths intertwine when Thislen finds himself at Mila’s father’s apothecary and decides to repay his debt by helping Mila. This decision opens the door to a world of secrets and political corruption. I enjoyed following Thislen as he learned to rely on and trust others; and Mila as she learned to trust herself.
The plot is a fresh take on tropes fantasy readers will be familiar with: found family, good versus evil, monsters, and a world rich in lore. It’s clear that October has planned his series well. This book has just enough foreshadowing to lead to the sequel while still revealing secrets along the way to effortlessly drive the plot forward.
With political intrigue and generational secrets, this book kept me guessing, wondering what would happen next. Every time I thought I knew what was coming, the plot took a turn in a totally different direction. This quote sums it up well: “Every time he thought he found an answer, it just revealed more questions.”
I looked over my notes and highlights, and I can honestly say I don’t have anything negative to say about this book. In fact, one of my notes is, “This gets even better with each page.” If I had one critique, t’s that the story slows down after the first chapter and doesn’t truly pick back up until about a third of the way in. However, this slower section of the book is developing relationships between characters and introducing us to important plot points - so while it is slower than the rest of the story, it’s still important and keeps the plot moving forward.
A big thank you to October for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC. I can’t wait to continue following Thislen and Mila’s journey.
March 29, 2023
City of Day by October K. Santerelli is filled with mystery, thrill, and a fantasy world that gets more and more interesting as the story goes on. Thislen is a survivor and a thief who holds a lot of secrets close to his heart. After missing a boat and left to fend for himself from the Vaim, his life takes a turn that he never expected. He is taken to the Ominir Apothecary after the talons of the black ghostly figures pierced his skin, and Olen and his daughter Mila take care of him. Thistlen feels the need to pay the Ominirs back for saving his life, but his decision to help Mila avoid marriage to an arrogant lord becomes more and more complicated. He is forced to reveal some of his secrets and finds out about the secrets that are held by the Ominir family. As secrets unfold, the city of Astera and the abandoned kingdom of Perilee unfold with them.
The descriptions used throughout this book made everything feel more real. Phrases like “ran as quick as lighting struck,” “wrapping his cloak around him as if it sought to comfort him in his final moments” when describing the wind, and “as the shadow of the wall swallowed him,” showed off Santerelli’s mastery with prose. The main pretense of this novel is a slow reveal of one secret after another and the more the readers know, the more intense Thislen’s situation gets, especially when Mila and Lord Soren Bestant step into the picture. Leading the reader deeper into this fantasy world, Santerelli tells a story of family and love, abandonment and fear, and making the distinction between right and wrong when it comes to the ones you care about. Filled with mysteries and secrets, City of Day, is the story of one who is content in his loneliness finding his way back into the grasp of society, and I can’t wait to see where this story goes in the next book.
The descriptions used throughout this book made everything feel more real. Phrases like “ran as quick as lighting struck,” “wrapping his cloak around him as if it sought to comfort him in his final moments” when describing the wind, and “as the shadow of the wall swallowed him,” showed off Santerelli’s mastery with prose. The main pretense of this novel is a slow reveal of one secret after another and the more the readers know, the more intense Thislen’s situation gets, especially when Mila and Lord Soren Bestant step into the picture. Leading the reader deeper into this fantasy world, Santerelli tells a story of family and love, abandonment and fear, and making the distinction between right and wrong when it comes to the ones you care about. Filled with mysteries and secrets, City of Day, is the story of one who is content in his loneliness finding his way back into the grasp of society, and I can’t wait to see where this story goes in the next book.
October 31, 2024
This was a fun adventure that grabbed me from the first page. The world Santerelli created is rich and vibrant, conveyed in delicious details that managed not to detract from the pacing of the story. The island country of Astera suffers from a corrupt ruling class and an ancient curse that causes deadly specters to walk the streets at night. The book's protagonists will have to face both.
Thislen is a street urchin who hides his true identity. He makes a point of not caring about others, but he's not very good at it. From the very first chapter all his efforts go toward helping others. Mila is an apprentice apothecary with a family secret that even she is unaware of. She's spunky yet vulnerable, and she's a bit of an adventure seeker, at least until she actually experiences adventure first hand. Both protagonists are interesting, believable characters who bring a unique perspective to the narrative.
The one place this book falls down for me is the ending, or lack thereof. This book ended not so much in a cliffhanger as a sinkhole. There really was no aspect of resolution. The characters are left in limbo and none of the antagonists have been dealt with in the slightest. I knew going in that this was the beginning of a series, so I assumed the Vaim (the main conflict) would not be resolved, but I did expect at least some small measure of closure, perhaps the thwarting of a lesser bad guy so there was some sense of progress being made.
As Mila succinctly puts it at the end of the book: "We can't leave things this way." We literally can't, because it's not a complete story yet. Luckily, Santerelli is planning to release book 2, City of Night, soon. I don't doubt it will be another wonderful adventure, and I'm excited to see what happens next.
Thislen is a street urchin who hides his true identity. He makes a point of not caring about others, but he's not very good at it. From the very first chapter all his efforts go toward helping others. Mila is an apprentice apothecary with a family secret that even she is unaware of. She's spunky yet vulnerable, and she's a bit of an adventure seeker, at least until she actually experiences adventure first hand. Both protagonists are interesting, believable characters who bring a unique perspective to the narrative.
The one place this book falls down for me is the ending, or lack thereof. This book ended not so much in a cliffhanger as a sinkhole. There really was no aspect of resolution. The characters are left in limbo and none of the antagonists have been dealt with in the slightest. I knew going in that this was the beginning of a series, so I assumed the Vaim (the main conflict) would not be resolved, but I did expect at least some small measure of closure, perhaps the thwarting of a lesser bad guy so there was some sense of progress being made.
As Mila succinctly puts it at the end of the book: "We can't leave things this way." We literally can't, because it's not a complete story yet. Luckily, Santerelli is planning to release book 2, City of Night, soon. I don't doubt it will be another wonderful adventure, and I'm excited to see what happens next.
March 17, 2025
Original and Memorable Romance Fantasy Saga _______
This is not your neat little trope romance with a predictable happy ending—instead it is a fascinating saga of eventually 3 books, this first set on the island world of Astera. It is safe by day but as night falls, is beset by monsters called Vaims who destroy any person who has not escaped out to sea for the night. We meet young Thislen, who missed his assigned boat and is attacked along with a noble stranger who utters a dying plea. This starts the book’s suspense of what is happening and why. As Thislen and the reader discover new mysteries and intrigues, another character joins the story—Mila, and gradually others, resisting corruption of those thwarting the little team trying to survive and to right past wrongs. The scenes and events are visual and fast-paced. I thoroughly enjoyed this first of the Nightfall series, and am eager to go on to the 2nd, City of Night, now being published, and find out how the exciting Nightfall story continues.
This is not your neat little trope romance with a predictable happy ending—instead it is a fascinating saga of eventually 3 books, this first set on the island world of Astera. It is safe by day but as night falls, is beset by monsters called Vaims who destroy any person who has not escaped out to sea for the night. We meet young Thislen, who missed his assigned boat and is attacked along with a noble stranger who utters a dying plea. This starts the book’s suspense of what is happening and why. As Thislen and the reader discover new mysteries and intrigues, another character joins the story—Mila, and gradually others, resisting corruption of those thwarting the little team trying to survive and to right past wrongs. The scenes and events are visual and fast-paced. I thoroughly enjoyed this first of the Nightfall series, and am eager to go on to the 2nd, City of Night, now being published, and find out how the exciting Nightfall story continues.
December 7, 2023
Astera is a city of ghosts and secrets, and both have a big role to play in this story. I loved the setup here, the idea of a whole city that exists only during the day due to the ghosts that overrun it at night. It's creative and intriguing, and well used in the way it forces the action of the story to move forward.
Characters are well established and do grow over the course of the story, especially kind and clever apothecary Mila who I liked far more than the sullen and secretive Thislen.
I don't love a cliffhanger, but I'll tolerate one if it feels like the book has at least some kind of ending - unfortunately this is not one of those cases. We do get let in on some of the secrets, but the book ends in one of many hot water situations the characters are in and out of the whole time. So be aware of that if that's something you dislike. I feel like it would have been better shortened into a standalone novel but I am curious to see what happens next.
Characters are well established and do grow over the course of the story, especially kind and clever apothecary Mila who I liked far more than the sullen and secretive Thislen.
I don't love a cliffhanger, but I'll tolerate one if it feels like the book has at least some kind of ending - unfortunately this is not one of those cases. We do get let in on some of the secrets, but the book ends in one of many hot water situations the characters are in and out of the whole time. So be aware of that if that's something you dislike. I feel like it would have been better shortened into a standalone novel but I am curious to see what happens next.
December 11, 2023
I received an electronic copy of City of Day by October K. Santerelli to review. Overall I enjoyed this read and I will be picking up a hard copy and the sequel whenever that comes out.
Astera is an island city plagued by ghost like creatures called the Vaim who murder anyone who stays on the island overnight. Thislen is a thief who finds himself working to uncover Astera’s secrets with Mila, a local apothecary trying to avoid a marriage with one of the corrupt city leaders. I thought the premise to this novel was very unique and I’m curious to find out where Mila and Thislen’s stories go in the next book. The world and character building were strong although the novel was a little slow in the earlier chapters of world and character building. I never guessed where this story was heading, lots of twists and turns kept me guessing. If you’re into found family, mystery, and political intrigue, I’d recommend adding this to your TBR.
Astera is an island city plagued by ghost like creatures called the Vaim who murder anyone who stays on the island overnight. Thislen is a thief who finds himself working to uncover Astera’s secrets with Mila, a local apothecary trying to avoid a marriage with one of the corrupt city leaders. I thought the premise to this novel was very unique and I’m curious to find out where Mila and Thislen’s stories go in the next book. The world and character building were strong although the novel was a little slow in the earlier chapters of world and character building. I never guessed where this story was heading, lots of twists and turns kept me guessing. If you’re into found family, mystery, and political intrigue, I’d recommend adding this to your TBR.
February 12, 2025
A slower pace read than my normal, City of Day is mostly fantasy with just a breath of horror - no more than is expected from fantasy monsters ...
Except, well, the dead walk at night driving everyone to seek boats to sleep on from dusk until dawn. Those that remain in the city overnight, are among the dead by morning.
This conceit of the book is an amazing worldbuilding base which the author builds on layer by layer.
I did feel the book would have been better off with the horror being even more horrible, and with the two main POV character aged down to the 16 year old range, but with the marriage aspect as a plot point, I understand why these ages were chosen. Coming of age and found family tropes are strong, but not overwhelming.
Not a strong fantasy fan, I can see this being someone's jam to the point that the whole loaf would be smeared and consumed in one sitting. Just remember ... when the sun goes down, there is no more time.
Except, well, the dead walk at night driving everyone to seek boats to sleep on from dusk until dawn. Those that remain in the city overnight, are among the dead by morning.
This conceit of the book is an amazing worldbuilding base which the author builds on layer by layer.
I did feel the book would have been better off with the horror being even more horrible, and with the two main POV character aged down to the 16 year old range, but with the marriage aspect as a plot point, I understand why these ages were chosen. Coming of age and found family tropes are strong, but not overwhelming.
Not a strong fantasy fan, I can see this being someone's jam to the point that the whole loaf would be smeared and consumed in one sitting. Just remember ... when the sun goes down, there is no more time.
December 24, 2024
Astera is an island nation with a strange problem. By day, it's a fairly normal place. By night, ghosts known as Vaim fill the city, slaying what they find. A twist of fate places Thislen, a thief with a lot of secrets, and Mila, an apprentice in her father's shop, in each other's paths. They are thrown together and have to deal with more secrets, corrupt nobles, and all manner of danger.
The two discover that so much of what they know is, in fact, wrong, as more and more of the island's past is revealed. There are a lot of nicely executed twists and turns and many surprises.
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one.
A fun fantasy book, recommended.
The two discover that so much of what they know is, in fact, wrong, as more and more of the island's past is revealed. There are a lot of nicely executed twists and turns and many surprises.
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one.
A fun fantasy book, recommended.
January 1, 2024
From the very beginning there is an air of mystery. So many questions are brought up from chapter 1 and it hooks you in. Begging you to continue reading to unravel the mystery. Who are the Vaim? Why are they there? October does a great job luring you in and keeping you invested. Not just by the questions you have but also the complex nature of the characters, especially the main character. Who is desperate to leave yet struggles with that decision. Why?
Not to mention but a thrilling cliffhanger! I’m dying to find out what happens next. I love how October keeps pulling you in with a glimmer of hope for the heroes only for disaster to strike every corner. Definitely looking out for Book 2.
Not to mention but a thrilling cliffhanger! I’m dying to find out what happens next. I love how October keeps pulling you in with a glimmer of hope for the heroes only for disaster to strike every corner. Definitely looking out for Book 2.
April 26, 2024
I was given a copy of City of Day (Nightfall) as a gift from my friend, Stina. She'd been talking up this author for a while and surprised me with it and let's just say . . . it was well worth it.
What can I say? This book hit every marker I wanted in a read. Imaginative, well-developed, creative, superbly written, and it took me on an adventure I'm not soon to forget. I HIGHLY recommend you read this. You will not regret it one bit because as I said, from the first page, you will go on a journey that will make you want to return again and again.
What can I say? This book hit every marker I wanted in a read. Imaginative, well-developed, creative, superbly written, and it took me on an adventure I'm not soon to forget. I HIGHLY recommend you read this. You will not regret it one bit because as I said, from the first page, you will go on a journey that will make you want to return again and again.
April 5, 2023
I initially thought this was going to be a story about surviving a city infested with murderous creatures that only stalk the night. What I got to read instead was an adventure where two richly developed protagonists scrambled their way through a society of daytime life while waiting for the inevitable dusk and its monstrous perils.
A fun read! Well worth your time!
[I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.]
A fun read! Well worth your time!
[I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.]
June 21, 2023
Intriguing Story With a Cliffhanger Ending
I really enjoyed this story. The main characters were relatable and I kept returning to the book even though it took me a really long time to read. It could use a good copy edit and proofread, as sometimes errors or extra language distracted from the story. I can’t wait to read what happens next, and I wish there was some closure at the end of this installment.
I really enjoyed this story. The main characters were relatable and I kept returning to the book even though it took me a really long time to read. It could use a good copy edit and proofread, as sometimes errors or extra language distracted from the story. I can’t wait to read what happens next, and I wish there was some closure at the end of this installment.
November 29, 2023
The writing and story telling is beatiful but I dont think I'm a big fantasy fan! I Know when I love a book the first chapter gets to me. Do I hate this book, of course not I did have to dnf not because it wasn't great but due to I don't enjoy fantasy books but more magical realism. Please do read the arc if you are given a chance I try giving it a fair game, thank you October for letting me have a arc of your book!
February 24, 2023
Arc review!
This book starts off fast and keeps you hanging on until the end. The worldbuilding is fantastic, and the backstories are giving in little drops of relevant bites rather than info dumping all at once, which helps keep the story moving forward. Overall, great book and I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2!
This book starts off fast and keeps you hanging on until the end. The worldbuilding is fantastic, and the backstories are giving in little drops of relevant bites rather than info dumping all at once, which helps keep the story moving forward. Overall, great book and I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2!
February 26, 2024
Very well written fantasy book with two main character pov. Great world building and surprising twists. Found family themes, zero spice. Little slow in the beginning and would have liked a bit more action, but picked up in the middle. Some dark themes and high stakes.
Loved the plot and mysteries. Did end in a cliff hanger so hopefully book two is out soon!
Loved the plot and mysteries. Did end in a cliff hanger so hopefully book two is out soon!
February 1, 2025
The author very kindly provided me with a copy of the book.
I love this so much. The world-building was incredible, the characters were amazing, and the plot was so intriguing I was tense throughout. The descriptive prose made the world come alive and I read the whole thing in one sitting, racing through because I couldn't put it down and I needed to know what happened.
I love this so much. The world-building was incredible, the characters were amazing, and the plot was so intriguing I was tense throughout. The descriptive prose made the world come alive and I read the whole thing in one sitting, racing through because I couldn't put it down and I needed to know what happened.
April 16, 2025
A wild ride!
Just when you think you know where this adventure is leading, it goes somewhere else completely! Fun characters, intriguing world, and surprises at every turn. Fabulous and I'm so glad I already had the second book to jump into when I was done, that ending... whew!
Just when you think you know where this adventure is leading, it goes somewhere else completely! Fun characters, intriguing world, and surprises at every turn. Fabulous and I'm so glad I already had the second book to jump into when I was done, that ending... whew!
February 26, 2023
ARC REVIEW
*Spoiler free
I really enjoyed the story. I love the characters and how the story progressed. Honestly, it was a refreshing read. It was very unique but also felt very familiar in a way I don't know how to explain. I cannot wait for there to be more!
*Spoiler free
I really enjoyed the story. I love the characters and how the story progressed. Honestly, it was a refreshing read. It was very unique but also felt very familiar in a way I don't know how to explain. I cannot wait for there to be more!
April 4, 2024
I hate cliffhangers
But I loved this book. From the very beginning it was fast paced and I hardly put it down. I am so excited for book two, because do I NEED to know what happens.
But I loved this book. From the very beginning it was fast paced and I hardly put it down. I am so excited for book two, because do I NEED to know what happens.
May 10, 2024
This is a unique premise and setting that has plenty of tension and mystery. While it is set on one island, there is plenty of adventure and emotion played out on each page. I highly recommend it, and I can't wait to read the next part!
September 24, 2023
I loved this book so much! Cannot recommend enough⚡️
July 21, 2024
Amazing ghost story
This is a real page turner. Once you start reading the story grabs you and holds on to the end of this book. Cannot wait for the next book.
This is a real page turner. Once you start reading the story grabs you and holds on to the end of this book. Cannot wait for the next book.
December 19, 2024
We love a strong platonic(!) bond between a MMC and FMC <3
May 1, 2025
Incredible book, both in worldbuilding and characters! I tore through the first two and am eagerly anticipating the third!
February 24, 2023
**I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book! It’s mostly fantasy but blends elements of horror and mystery seamlessly. There is a lot of heavy worldbuilding to get through at first but it sets everything up to develop into such a rich experience. You’re pulled into the world of Astera immediately and fall deeper and deeper into the mystery as the stakes are upped with every chapter. I felt like I was there with the characters experiencing what they were experiencing.
Speaking of the characters, the development of the two main characters, Mila and Thislen, was amazing to see. You get such a clear sense of who they are, or who they think they are, and then they’re thrown into this wild adventure only for them to question everything they thought they knew about themselves. I truly can not wait to see how they handle what comes at them in the next book.
I loved this book! It’s mostly fantasy but blends elements of horror and mystery seamlessly. There is a lot of heavy worldbuilding to get through at first but it sets everything up to develop into such a rich experience. You’re pulled into the world of Astera immediately and fall deeper and deeper into the mystery as the stakes are upped with every chapter. I felt like I was there with the characters experiencing what they were experiencing.
Speaking of the characters, the development of the two main characters, Mila and Thislen, was amazing to see. You get such a clear sense of who they are, or who they think they are, and then they’re thrown into this wild adventure only for them to question everything they thought they knew about themselves. I truly can not wait to see how they handle what comes at them in the next book.
August 29, 2024
Reread:
While nothing was a surprise on my second read, it was as exceptional as I recalled. The world-building and characterizations are immersive and believable, and the story leaves me wishing I could keep reading beyond the final page. Eagerly awaiting book 2!
Previous review:
One of my new all time favorites. A good mix of high tension and intriguing world building. Everything about it was a treat.
While nothing was a surprise on my second read, it was as exceptional as I recalled. The world-building and characterizations are immersive and believable, and the story leaves me wishing I could keep reading beyond the final page. Eagerly awaiting book 2!
Previous review:
One of my new all time favorites. A good mix of high tension and intriguing world building. Everything about it was a treat.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews