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The Night Girl

James Bow (Goodreads Author)

3.86 · Rating details · 42 ratings · 30 reviews

Perpetua Collins works for a real troll.

Well, technically a goblin, and it’s not as bad as it sounds. As the administrative assistant, she provides a “human” face for an employment agency specializing in placements for goblins and trolls. It’s probably the most unusual job she could find in Toronto, but she’s grateful for it, having come to the city with $500 in her pocke ...more

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Paperback, 364 pages

Published September 10th 2019 by REUTS Publications, LLC.

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Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson

A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth

Fantasy Books Set in Toronto

20 books — 5 voters

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· 42 ratings · 30 reviews

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Jul 11, 2020 jenny✨ rated it really liked it

Shelves: canadian-author, wit-galore, canada, adult-fantasy, arc, 2019, the-6ix, books-i-loved, this-writing-has-flow

OH MY GOD. I HAD SO SO MUCH FUN READING THIS.

This is an urban-fantasy love letter to downtown Toronto. This is satire and mystery and a fluffy dash of romance. This is hilarious and heartwarming. This made me fall in love all over again with the city that has indelibly shaped me and my life.

Perpetua Collins moves to Toronto with only $500 in her bra. (I know; I have no idea what she was thinking. That's enough for, like, a day trip!) She's fierce, compassionate, and a more than a little goofy. T ...more

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Aug 19, 2020 Jessica Reads It rated it really liked it

Shelves: urban-fantasy, adult-fiction, fantasy, new-author-2020, sci-fi

“I could use a little magic right now.”

Haven’t we all thought that at least once, twice, or in my case every day! For our MC Perpetua Tallulah Collins (yes, its quite a mouthful), I think the adage “Be careful what you wish for” is quite appropriate. After a row with her mum, Perpetua takes a humongous leap of faith and leaves the only home she’s ever known to try her luck in the big city- Toronto Canada. With $500 tucked away in her bra, because where else would she put it right, she journeys “I could use a little magic right now.”

Haven’t we all thought that at least once, twice, or in my case every day! For our MC Perpetua Tallulah Collins (yes, its quite a mouthful), I think the adage “Be careful what you wish for” is quite appropriate. After a row with her mum, Perpetua takes a humongous leap of faith and leaves the only home she’s ever known to try her luck in the big city- Toronto Canada. With $500 tucked away in her bra, because where else would she put it right, she journeys into the big unknown.

To say her trip takes some unexpected twists turns and dives is an understatement as she encounters a weird magical stalker/cab driver, gets directions from a Gargoyle, has a plethora of “What in tarnation, did anyone else see that!” moments and ends up working for a real troll.

Perpetua soon realizes everything may not be as it seems and that deception is closer than she thinks. As the mysteries surrounding her past and present collide, harsh truths come to light which paints our main character in quite a different light. With the help of some magical interventions, and a lot of luck she may just be the catalyst that lifts the veil between humanity and the unknown.

The best way to describe the Night Girl is honestly- “organized chaos.” The careful balance between reality and the veil gave a shockingly realistic insight into humanity and their inability to comprehend that which is deemed different or out of the societal norm.

I loved having that ‘aha’ moment when the book title makes sense and everything starts falling into place. I thoroughly enjoyed the role that fate/destiny or perhaps mere coincidence played in a lot of the scenes within the novel. Perpetua’s sense of optimism and determination for equality was heartwarming as she looks beyond appearances to see who people truly are.

Totally off-topic, but equally notable, I also wish to commend James on writing perhaps the sweetest love scene to date. Too often it’s more about the act than the emotions behind it and in the Night Girl, I loved that the girl was guiding the guy, there were no raunchy descriptions but rather an honest and real moment between a cab guy and his traffic girl.

The Night Girl was witty and intriguing with just the right touch of humor that made for a thoroughly enjoyable read. One of the most memorable themes for me throughout the Night Girl was definitely acceptance. Because in the end, we all have monsters lying underneath the surface now don’t we?

Thank you to NetGalley and REUTS Publications, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for providing me with an arc. All views expressed above are my own.

This book review will appear on my blog from 19th Aug 2020 and can be found here: https://jessicareadsit.wordpress.com/... ...more

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Oct 09, 2019 Daniel Kukwa rated it really liked it

Shelves: other-sf-fantasy

I'm not quite sure how to describe this novel. It starts off feeling like a Hallmark movie-of-the-week, hybridized with a Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode. It then goes a bit Moonlighting/Ghostbusters in the romance department...and suddenly explodes into The Matrix with faeries, and then Lord of the Rings set in modern Toronto. It's crazier and sillier and funnier than my description. It's also contains some of the lightest and funkiest prose I've ever read from the pen of James Bow. Although m ...more

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Sep 11, 2020 Elena Linville rated it really liked it

Stars: 4 out of 5

I went into this book not really knowing what to expect. The description on NetGalley seemed appealing enough and the cover art was okay, but the story could have gone either way.

I'm glad that I gave it a chance though, because it turned out a quick and rewarding read. The story itself isn't very original - girl moves into big city to escape her little town life and her overbearing mother, and makes a life for herself. She also discovers a cause worth fighting for, makes a few f Stars: 4 out of 5

I went into this book not really knowing what to expect. The description on NetGalley seemed appealing enough and the cover art was okay, but the story could have gone either way.

I'm glad that I gave it a chance though, because it turned out a quick and rewarding read. The story itself isn't very original - girl moves into big city to escape her little town life and her overbearing mother, and makes a life for herself. She also discovers a cause worth fighting for, makes a few friends, and some enemies, and finds love in the process.

What I didn't expect was that this story would have so much heart! I loved Perpetua almost from the first chapter. She is a very determined young lady who nevertheless has a very good sense of what is right and what is wrong. She also has the courage to stand up against what she perceives is wrong and won't stand by when others are mistreated, even if that lands her in to trouble herself.

I liked the fact that all the characters here have real and mostly relatable motives for their actions. Nobody is evil just for the sake of being evil or because the story needs a villain. At first, you would think that the fairies are evil, since they basically forced goblins to live in fear and squalor for centuries. But then you come to understand why they did it. Fairies can pass for human, some goblins can as well, and those manage to integrate into society. But there are those who are too alien looking to ever be able to do that, so they have to hide. Because everyone involved still remembers the pitchforks, the cold iron, and the savagery of men, even if the war ended over a thousand years ago.

It is evident, at least to Perpetua and the readers, that the status quo cannot endure much longer, but both parties are too scared to change anything, because some of them were alive during that war.

My complaint about the resolution of this conflict is that it is too good to be true. With the events of 2020, I admit that I lost a lot of hope in the human race, so I tended to side with the fairies on this one. In real world, this would have ended in rivers of blood and riots on the streets, mass executions and ethnic purges, not mutual, if rather reluctant acceptance. But this is a fairy tale, so I will accept its rather naive happy ending. Maybe we need more positive books right now with all the ugliness in the world.

PS. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Sep 04, 2020 Mel rated it liked it

The Night Girl by James Bow is a New Adult Fantasy novel set in Toronto Canada.

The main character, Perpetua, has just arrived in the city, and she is determined to prove to her mother that she can make it on her own. With only $500 in her pocket Perpetua is going to have to find a job fast, and this proves easier said than done.

By the time a friendly cab driver (who may or may not have ulterior motives) suggests checking out an employment listing he shows her, Perpetua is feeling pretty despera The Night Girl by James Bow is a New Adult Fantasy novel set in Toronto Canada.

The main character, Perpetua, has just arrived in the city, and she is determined to prove to her mother that she can make it on her own. With only $500 in her pocket Perpetua is going to have to find a job fast, and this proves easier said than done.

By the time a friendly cab driver (who may or may not have ulterior motives) suggests checking out an employment listing he shows her, Perpetua is feeling pretty desperate. There is no way she wants to go back to her mother with her tail between her legs. Perpetua isn’t feeling very confident of her prospects when she goes to apply in person and finds the business tucked in the back end of the subway corridors, next to a storefront offering limerick services. However, when she is offered the position on the spot she decides to over look this – as well as the fact that her employer is more than a little peculiar. After all, it does pay well.

When she arrives for her first day of work Perpetua is presented with a rather unusual training situation, but the job is nothing she can’t handle and she soon settles into her role. She has a sneaking suspicion the place might be haunted – even her chair itself seems possessed – yet it isn’t until she finally meets some of the company’s clients that things start to get really weird. Perpetua is hit with the realisation that she should have paid more attention to the things her boss has told her, as well as what is in that contract of employment that she signed.

As if all this bizarre new information isn’t enough, Perpetua soon discovers that her boss has been hiding things from her – things that just might have a lot to do with the less than friendly visit she received from a rather official sounding department she has never even heard of before. Unsure of who can and cannot be trusted, Perpetua knows she has to figure it out fast before someone gets hurt. That is, if she isn’t already too late.

Vivid details, memorable characters, and a looming mystery all made this story a delight to read.

3.5/5 stars from me.

Thank you NetGalley, REUTS Publications and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for granting me a free copy of this publication in exchange for an impartial review. ...more

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Jun 27, 2020 Kat rated it really liked it

This book surprised me - it was an intriguing and exciting read (a rollercoaster indeed) and I tore through it (and would quite like a sequel actually come to think of it)! Moreover, it wove in real-world issues within the fantastical elements of the book: including the marginalisation and othering of minorities, racism, discrimination, basic rights, tolerance, acceptance, assimilation, integration...

I grew to love the characters (Howard is the sweetest troll, you simply have to meet him(view s ...more

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Jan 14, 2022 Kendra rated it really liked it

Jared recommended The Night Girl to me. The novel is a young adult fantasy story set in contemporary Toronto about a young girl name Perpetua who moves to the city to start over, and soon becomes aware of goblins, trolls, and fairies who inhabit the human world, little noticed by other humans. Perpetua begins an assistant role at a firm that offers employment services two these mystical creatures. Perpetua soon becomes involved in the lives of the trolls and goblins she meets through her job, an ...more

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Jun 29, 2020 thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) rated it it was ok

An interesting story. Not what I was expecting at all, I think YA fans will probably enjoy this, it’s got great characters (I adored Howard so much) deals with issues relevant to today, while the plot could be a touch predictable I still really enjoyed it and it didn’t bother me. It’s a fun, entertaining story and one I definitely recommend

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

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Aug 06, 2020 Suzanne rated it really liked it

This is a delightful story! We follow Perpetua as she gets to know an underground world where Trolls, Goblins, Faeries and Gargoyles are forced to hide sometimes in plain sight.
It was a fantastic journey through an outsiders perspective.
I love that this book is set in Toronto, Canada. More books set there please!
It is a fun, adventurous ride. I am currently also reading a book on discrimination LGBTQ+ members face in different parts of the world, and while this book has no overt political leanin ...more

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Jun 29, 2020 Avani ✨ rated it liked it

The Night Girl by James Bow, a sci-fi fictional written. The author has written many books in this genre. The Night Girl is my first novel by this author. The author's writing style is very lucid and descriptive.

This one's a modern day fairytale with the main protagonist named Perprtua Collins and is set in Toronto. The suspence in this book was maintained till the end, I must say.

The book is a complete package when it comes to twists and turns, romance and modern world sci-fi. You will never se ...more

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Jun 19, 2020 Francisco rated it really liked it

My first thought when started reading The Night Girl was "Perpetua? Really?" but as soon as I got into the story, all was forgiven.

I loved this book. It's been a while since I read something as original and down to earth as The Night Girl. Sure, I read a lot of HC Sci Fi, horror and try to stay clear of hyped fiction, be it dystopian or romance, you know, Twilight, The Hunger Games, Fifty Shades, all mediocre at best IMHO (an opinion is not a fact).

Fortunately that was not the case with The Nigh ...more

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Aug 18, 2020 Nikoleta rated it really liked it

A fun and enchanting coming of age story...with goblins, trolls, and faeries. Our main character, Perpetua, decides she needs to leave her small Northern Ontario town and move to the big city in Toronto to start her life. As anyone who moves to Toronto with not a lot of money soon finds out...this city is very hard to start your life in. She struggles with finding a job, homelessness, and loneliness. Fortunately a touch of magic helps her out because she has a gift and can see creatures others c ...more

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Jul 31, 2020 Kylie rated it it was amazing

What an unexpected gem of a story!

I didn’t actually mean to request to read and review this title as I already had many books to read, however, my cat made me jump and I hit the ‘read now’ button and I’m so glad that I did. I loved this book; the characters are endearing (I would be extremely happy to call Howard the troll my friend), while Perpetua is a strong female protagonist, worthy of respect; the world of the Underground City is depicted clearly, so that I can recreate it in my mind; plu ...more

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Jul 25, 2020 Steph Hanlon rated it really liked it

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

The Night Girl is a wonderful urban fantasy which creates unique and compelling characters set in a new and exciting world which allows the reader to fall in love with a magical Toronto. The characters are, despite their fantastical nature, incredibly relatable - especially our protagonist Perpetual who works in employment for trolls and goblins.

The writing style is enjoyable and the pacing a ...more

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Jun 25, 2020 Nushki rated it liked it

** received from netgalley in exchange for a fair review **

I really wasn't sure what to expect from this book. But it was called Pratchett-esque so I wanted to give it a try.

Let me just start off saying that this is not any way similar to Terry Pratchett's books. It lacks the wit, smarts and complexities of a Discworld book. Instead we have a trope-filled quick read.

Our protagonist, Perpetua (seriously?) arrives in Toronto with a measly $500 in her bra. Perpetua is not a smart cookie (as showcas ...more

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Sep 15, 2020 Sarah Z rated it really liked it

I received an ARC of this from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this. It was really cute but also had a really serious message on how people (or trolls, goblins, or elves) should treat one another. It’s a quirky romance novel which includes a fight for equality and justice. I love that it takes place in Toronto because I know where everything is that the Author is referring to; especially after working in and using the PATH For 7 years.
Very cool, ve ...more

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Sep 17, 2020 Shauna rated it it was amazing

This story had some unexpected twists. Perpetua had no idea what she was in for when she stepped off the bus in Toronto but she was bold and determined. She refuses to be intimidated ans hold sher ground when common sense should have told her to run. I love the contrast of her assertiveness against Fergus's sweet, gentle nature. I didn't want to stop reading. I want to read more about this world of goblins, trolls and fairies hiding in plain sight. ...more

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Nov 09, 2020 Danny Santana rated it liked it

A tale unlike anything I've ever read, Perpétua has just moved to Toronto to try change her life, with only $ 200 in her pocket looking for a place to stay and a job. She starts to see gargoyles around the city and they seem to be moving and then she meets a taxi driver who points her to a job in the underground downtown Toronto as an assistant. And in that job she is introduced to a new world, where mythological beings are real and live among us, hidden. And she will try to improve their lives ...more

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Oct 23, 2019 Japunkt rated it it was amazing

I bought this book for the cover. Or, to be precise, I bought this book after the owners of the CN Tower tried to regulate the use of a piece of the Toronto skyline. Don't worry, guys! I never thought for a moment that this book might have been affiliated with the CN Tower in any way!

This was a really charming and enjoyable urban fantasy. Highly recommended, and not just for the cover.

(Minor point of interest: James Bow is married to Erin Bow.) ...more

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Jun 07, 2020 Dee rated it liked it

Thank you to NetGalley and Reuts Publications for this eARC

I really enjoyed this book. It was a story that has been told all over the world many times involving humans rather than goblins or trolls. I enjoyed the characters and the friendships that formed throughout the book. The message that the ready is left with is one I found very powerful also

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Jun 11, 2020 Sara Lawson rated it it was amazing

Shelves: indie, arc

This is a book about racism and discrimination. I was not expecting this.

After a fight with her mother, Perpetua left home and arrived in Toronto with no job, no place to stay, and $500 to her name. A kind cab driver helps her find a job in the city as the receptionist for what appears to be an employment agency. The twist? Her boss is a goblin who finds work for other goblins and trolls.

Yes, Goblins and trolls do exist, and so do faeries, but they have been hiding from humans for the past 3000 ...more

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Oct 24, 2019 Catherine Fitzsimmons rated it really liked it

A cute, fun romp of a story. Not quite an entirely comedic story or an entirely serious one, but one that managed some feels and laughs and entertained throughout.

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Feb 12, 2020 Melanie rated it really liked it

I just finished reading The Night Girl by James Bow, and boy was I surprised by this book.

Set in Toronto, we follow a young woman named Perpetua who has just arrived in the city with very little money and no friends (or so she thought). But there's a guy in a taxi cab... and a weird hostel for her to stay in... and she eventually finds a job... working in Toronto's underground city... for a goblin. I'll leave it at that, so as not to give too much away. :)

I read this book for one of my book cl ...more

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Jun 06, 2020 TBHONEST rated it it was amazing

The Night Girl is an extremely interesting novel, with engaging characters, an alternate world where supernatural creatures like Troll exist. It's well paced, original and very enjoyable read. ...more

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Jun 14, 2020 Melissa rated it really liked it

I really enjoyed this well written, entertaining urban fantasy. The author brings Toronto alive. Additionally, all the characters - goblins, trolls, fairies- were very "human" and relatable.

The protagonist was not an ass kicking, tough woman but one that found her ability to care about and relate to all species.

I recommend this book to all who enjoy urban paranormal fantasy.

I was given an ARC. I am leaving my honest review. ...more

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Jul 02, 2020 Emma rated it really liked it

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this book. I really enjoyed this book, the plot and the characters were great and the writing was also great. 4 stars

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Jul 26, 2020 Anna rated it liked it

Perpetua Collins is fed up of living in a small town with her mother. She’s decided it’s time she moves out, and heads to Toronto with only 500 pounds in her pocket (bra…). As soon as she gets there peculiar things start happening, she appears to be able to control traffic, and could have sworn that gargoyle moved. But it couldn’t have, could it? Before she knows it she works for a goblin, and learns more than she knew there was to know about the city.

This book is a really fun read but also tou ...more

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Jul 07, 2020 The Picky Bookworm added it

The characters are so relatable, and put together so well! This book was such an easy read! I think I finished it in just a couple days. I couldn't put it down!

First of all, I would read anything this man writes. He writes using every day language, but doesn't do it in a way that makes the reader feel stupid. The book is set in Canada, but the author didn't use any local jargon or slang that a reader wouldn't understand.

I related to Perpetua for the following reasons:

She's independent, and does ...more

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Feb 07, 2021 Heather - Just Geeking By rated it liked it

For my full review please visit my blog: https://geeking-by.net/review/the-nig...

The Night Girl was provided for free by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to NetGalley and the Independent Book Publishers Association for the opportunity to review this book.

The Night Girl was a fun read with an interesting premise, however, it fell short for me personally. If you’re looking for a humorous fantasy romp then this book has it all. From the opening sentences to one of the most in For my full review please visit my blog: https://geeking-by.net/review/the-nig...

The Night Girl was provided for free by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to NetGalley and the Independent Book Publishers Association for the opportunity to review this book.

The Night Girl was a fun read with an interesting premise, however, it fell short for me personally. If you’re looking for a humorous fantasy romp then this book has it all. From the opening sentences to one of the most inventive scenes with a piece of furniture, there are some really unique scenes in The Night Girl. As a protagonist, Perpetua is interesting and to begin with feels genuine, resembling a real person rather than a fictional one.

The problem is that as the novel continued Perpetua didn’t hold up to scrutiny. At the start, I was impressed with how she was portrayed as a woman attending interviews and having to contend with annoying and often ridiculous questions. Her reactions to interviews and job applications were completely on point, not over the top, but the right mixture of wariness and anger that women worldwide know all too well. Likewise, when she first becomes aware of the supernatural she doesn’t freak out. She doesn’t exactly take it in her stride, she just weighs it up practically; she needs a job and it’s a good job. There are a lot worse things out there and she knows that for sure because she interviewed for a lot of them!

This sort of attitude leads to her being championed as someone who “sees everything”, however, the further along the story goes the more the wool is pulled over Perpetua’s eyes. She is supposed to be so aware and yet she misses the most obvious information despite it being mentioned multiple times. These clues, given to her and the reader, are given too many times. I’m not sure if this book is intended for an adult or young adult audience (other books by the author have been YA), and honestly, I don’t think that should make a difference. I’ve read young adult books all my life and in my experience, a perceived younger audience does not require the author to drop more tips.

What started as a novel with brilliant opening sentences and great world-building just didn’t quite meet the finishing line for me. I still enjoyed the novel, hence the three-star rating, and for some people, a fun fantasy read is just what they’re looking for in a book. I’ll admit, I’m a little pickier and there was only so much nose wrinkling I could take by the protagonist before the author’s lack of ingenuity being able to find another response got irritating. ...more

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Dec 01, 2020 Colleen Hillerup rated it it was amazing

A long time in the writing and worth the wait. Disclaimer - James is a friend and I first read a version of this many years ago. It's a fully-birthed novel now. There's a goodness about James' writing - I'm not just talking about a literary quality. I'm talking about how his heart shines through. Goblins in Toronto. Who knew? ...more

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About James Bow

James Bow

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I was born in downtown Toronto on April 19, 1972 and lived there until my folks moved up to Kitchener in 1991 so I could attend the University of Waterloo. I’ve lived in Kitchener ever since. I’ve been trained as an urban planner, and I’ve worked as a database manager, web designer, circulation manager, administrative assistant, layout designer and office manager. The one consistent thing about my ...more