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Chronicles of Midnight #1
Protector of Midnight
Some secrets refuse to remain buried...
The winged messiahs who rule the district beyond the pearly gates have given humanity a choice: live outside with the threat of being warped by magic, or petition for entry at the cost of their free will. The deal sucks for others, but it's fine by Serenity Harker, because outside no one can discover her secret hunger. Outside, Serenity can go on pretending she has control. But one slip is all it takes for her carefully crafted facade to unravel.
Exiled to Midnight, the district of moonlight and monsters, her hunger finally has a name. Here Nephilim Protectorate are the only line of defence between humans and dangerous magic. The protectorate males want to help her fit in, but their terrifying, charismatic leader refuses to let her off the leash. Just when it feels like she's banging her head against pectorals of steel, a chance to prove her worth leads to a case that will test the limits of her control. The stakes are raised, and the nightmare begins.
It looks like she may have to do the unthinkable. She may have to lose control.
Angels, Fallen, nephilim and Arthurian legend are given a fresh twist in this sexy, thrilling urban Fantasy series. Fans of Lost Girl and True Blood will surely enjoy it.
The winged messiahs who rule the district beyond the pearly gates have given humanity a choice: live outside with the threat of being warped by magic, or petition for entry at the cost of their free will. The deal sucks for others, but it's fine by Serenity Harker, because outside no one can discover her secret hunger. Outside, Serenity can go on pretending she has control. But one slip is all it takes for her carefully crafted facade to unravel.
Exiled to Midnight, the district of moonlight and monsters, her hunger finally has a name. Here Nephilim Protectorate are the only line of defence between humans and dangerous magic. The protectorate males want to help her fit in, but their terrifying, charismatic leader refuses to let her off the leash. Just when it feels like she's banging her head against pectorals of steel, a chance to prove her worth leads to a case that will test the limits of her control. The stakes are raised, and the nightmare begins.
It looks like she may have to do the unthinkable. She may have to lose control.
Angels, Fallen, nephilim and Arthurian legend are given a fresh twist in this sexy, thrilling urban Fantasy series. Fans of Lost Girl and True Blood will surely enjoy it.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2018
652 people are currently reading
2123 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Cassidy
129 books2,658 followersDebbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head. She writes Urban Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.
Connect with Debbie via her website at https://debbiecassidyauthor.com, email her at debbiecassidyauthor@gmail.com or check her out on twitter https://twitter.com/authordcassidy Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: http://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8 Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17595...
Connect with Debbie via her website at https://debbiecassidyauthor.com, email her at debbiecassidyauthor@gmail.com or check her out on twitter https://twitter.com/authordcassidy Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: http://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8 Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17595...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
July 6, 2018
Review for the series as a whole - not for any reason other than that I’m too lazy to write five.
Chronicles of Midnight is difficult to rate and review because some parts of the series - like the romance - are done so amazingly well, whereas other parts fall very flat.
Considering this, I should talk about some aspects of CoM and rate them separately. Here we go.
Main Character ★ ★ ★ ½
Serenity is off to a great start in book 1, as a police officer who doesn’t take shit from anyone. She’s got a hidden hunger for supernatural energy that she satisfies by siphoning the life force of other nephs. Serenity takes a very active role in her destiny, which is empowering. The flip side of her brazen strength is that she often talks/punches herself into trouble, and her stupidly brave antics caused a lot of irritation - with her harem and with me. But I like this flaw because it fits the character well.
That said... when it comes to the fantasy aspects of her character, the author overdid it. Serenity is the first “cambion” to exist in several centuries (basically a succubus but more powerful), not to mention she has magic weapons that chose her specifically, PLUS an evil-busting inner energy coming from the man upstairs... Here, we’re starting to drift into special snowflake territory.
Minor Characters ★ ★
The minor characters provide more evidence that Serenity is a little on the special side. Everybody (who isn’t specifically cast as an asshole) loves her. The female characters see her as a sister-from-another-mister. The male characters either really want to get in her pants or see her as the daughter/sister they never had. I never understood how Serenity got her endless popularity.
I would call Cassie an exception to the rule, but let’s face it, she was cast as an asshole. There was a minor doctor character who was neutral towards Serenity, and of course the angels. Hence the extra star above.
Harem ★ ★ ★ ★ ½
I love these idiots. The author put a lot of thought into their creation, which means that none of them are cookie-cutter RH men.
I don’t actually want to say too much about any of them, because most of the fun is getting to know them and figuring out who will and won’t join the harem. Go discover it for yourself!
Romance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This slowburn is in a class of its own. One of the best parts of the series is reading along and trying to guess how and when Serenity will finally convince the different men in her life to fall for her. It took until book 3 for me to be sure that this series even contained a harem and not just a love triangle.
Feelings develop slowly, naturally, the more time Serenity spends the nephs of Midnight. I loved this realistic progression; often in the reverse harem genre authors feel the need to add “fated-to-be-mated” or insta-love to their plot to justify the unconventional relationship. Serenity’s love story felt more like something that could happen in real life (disregarding the angels and Merlin).
World ★ ★
The CoM realm is made up of four districts, each perpetually stuck in the time of Day they’re named for: Dawn, Midday, Sunset, and Midnight. The people living in these districts don’t know anything about the outside world (which is hinted to be our own); everyone is contained within the four cities. Even stranger is the fact that their world has only existed for about a century. Watching over it are two factions of angels: the White Wings, who try to coax humans into giving up their free will, and Black Wings, who gave rise to the supernatural nephs.
This premise is very cool. The world combines biblical and Arthurian myths with more modern paranormal elements like vamps & shifters.
However!!
There are so many little plot holes and unexplained quirks in this world that take away from the story’s believability. For example, in one book Serenity tries to go to a Thai restaurant for takeout. In a cut off fantasy world where nobody has ever left, that’s only even existed for a century, - not to mention Midnight, which is described as a supernatural urban war zone - they have Thai restaurants??! How? Why?
Even from a distance, the whole city’s origin makes little sense. A century ago, did people just drop into the city from nowhere and start their lives without another thought? Or did a bunch of babies walk in and raise themselves? It seems unlikely that people don’t question their captivity within the city, or their lack of ancestry, or the fact that none of them even know what Thailand is, yet they have goddamn Thai restaurants!
And while I’m at it - in book one, Serenity discusses with her adoptive sister how Serenity, as a small child, somehow walked across the boundary from the outside world into Sunset with no memory of her past or her parents. Apparently she was born in the real world, which is interesting, right? Well, forget about it, because it’s NEVER MENTIONED AGAIN. No idea how that ties in to her character.
Bottom line... most of the world building sounds cool, but is totally illogical. The author did not think the world of Midnight through.
Plot Structure ★
Oof. I think plot structure is the one skill Debbie Cassidy really needs to work on.
When it comes to authors, you often hear that there are two kinds: the planners and the go-getters. The CoM series could have benefitted from a little more planning. The plot just starts us off with Serenity meeting the guys, then takes off in all directions. It felt as though the author began writing with a setting and some character relationships in mind, but with zero plan for the future conflicts or later books. Even the skinniest of outlines would have done wonders.
As it is, there is no overarching plot to the series. Supporting characters appear and disappear seemingly at random. As do the conflicts the heroes overcome. The only consistent storyline throughout the five books was the romance between Serenity and her harem.
Whenever the story started to lull, Debbie Cassidy chucked some new supernatural threat at Serenity to keep things going.
Ancient Greek spiders? The Celtic fae hunt in ghost form? Merlin? Mindless monster hordes? Evil divine people-possessing ghosts? Adam and Eve and Lilith?? Giant mecha robots hidden in a bunker left by ancient mad scientists?? FUCK IT! THROW IN THE WHOLE LOT! Readers don’t care about thematic consistency or sensible plot, right?
Overall tl;dr ★ ★ ★ ½
Alas, Chronicles of Midnight is worth a try. I would recommend it to any RH fan, perhaps with the advice, “Don’t think too hard about anything that happens, and you’ll love it.” The romance is amazing, and in all but the final book, it makes up for what each book lacks in cohesive plot and setting. So the series still earns a spot in my top ten favorite RHs. (Especially Orin. I always have a spot in my heart for Orin.)
Chronicles of Midnight is difficult to rate and review because some parts of the series - like the romance - are done so amazingly well, whereas other parts fall very flat.
Considering this, I should talk about some aspects of CoM and rate them separately. Here we go.
Main Character ★ ★ ★ ½
Serenity is off to a great start in book 1, as a police officer who doesn’t take shit from anyone. She’s got a hidden hunger for supernatural energy that she satisfies by siphoning the life force of other nephs. Serenity takes a very active role in her destiny, which is empowering. The flip side of her brazen strength is that she often talks/punches herself into trouble, and her stupidly brave antics caused a lot of irritation - with her harem and with me. But I like this flaw because it fits the character well.
That said... when it comes to the fantasy aspects of her character, the author overdid it. Serenity is the first “cambion” to exist in several centuries (basically a succubus but more powerful), not to mention she has magic weapons that chose her specifically, PLUS an evil-busting inner energy coming from the man upstairs... Here, we’re starting to drift into special snowflake territory.
Minor Characters ★ ★
The minor characters provide more evidence that Serenity is a little on the special side. Everybody (who isn’t specifically cast as an asshole) loves her. The female characters see her as a sister-from-another-mister. The male characters either really want to get in her pants or see her as the daughter/sister they never had. I never understood how Serenity got her endless popularity.
I would call Cassie an exception to the rule, but let’s face it, she was cast as an asshole. There was a minor doctor character who was neutral towards Serenity, and of course the angels. Hence the extra star above.
Harem ★ ★ ★ ★ ½
I love these idiots. The author put a lot of thought into their creation, which means that none of them are cookie-cutter RH men.
I don’t actually want to say too much about any of them, because most of the fun is getting to know them and figuring out who will and won’t join the harem. Go discover it for yourself!
Romance ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This slowburn is in a class of its own. One of the best parts of the series is reading along and trying to guess how and when Serenity will finally convince the different men in her life to fall for her. It took until book 3 for me to be sure that this series even contained a harem and not just a love triangle.
Feelings develop slowly, naturally, the more time Serenity spends the nephs of Midnight. I loved this realistic progression; often in the reverse harem genre authors feel the need to add “fated-to-be-mated” or insta-love to their plot to justify the unconventional relationship. Serenity’s love story felt more like something that could happen in real life (disregarding the angels and Merlin).
World ★ ★
The CoM realm is made up of four districts, each perpetually stuck in the time of Day they’re named for: Dawn, Midday, Sunset, and Midnight. The people living in these districts don’t know anything about the outside world (which is hinted to be our own); everyone is contained within the four cities. Even stranger is the fact that their world has only existed for about a century. Watching over it are two factions of angels: the White Wings, who try to coax humans into giving up their free will, and Black Wings, who gave rise to the supernatural nephs.
This premise is very cool. The world combines biblical and Arthurian myths with more modern paranormal elements like vamps & shifters.
However!!
There are so many little plot holes and unexplained quirks in this world that take away from the story’s believability. For example, in one book Serenity tries to go to a Thai restaurant for takeout. In a cut off fantasy world where nobody has ever left, that’s only even existed for a century, - not to mention Midnight, which is described as a supernatural urban war zone - they have Thai restaurants??! How? Why?
Even from a distance, the whole city’s origin makes little sense. A century ago, did people just drop into the city from nowhere and start their lives without another thought? Or did a bunch of babies walk in and raise themselves? It seems unlikely that people don’t question their captivity within the city, or their lack of ancestry, or the fact that none of them even know what Thailand is, yet they have goddamn Thai restaurants!
And while I’m at it - in book one, Serenity discusses with her adoptive sister how Serenity, as a small child, somehow walked across the boundary from the outside world into Sunset with no memory of her past or her parents. Apparently she was born in the real world, which is interesting, right? Well, forget about it, because it’s NEVER MENTIONED AGAIN. No idea how that ties in to her character.
Bottom line... most of the world building sounds cool, but is totally illogical. The author did not think the world of Midnight through.
Plot Structure ★
Oof. I think plot structure is the one skill Debbie Cassidy really needs to work on.
When it comes to authors, you often hear that there are two kinds: the planners and the go-getters. The CoM series could have benefitted from a little more planning. The plot just starts us off with Serenity meeting the guys, then takes off in all directions. It felt as though the author began writing with a setting and some character relationships in mind, but with zero plan for the future conflicts or later books. Even the skinniest of outlines would have done wonders.
As it is, there is no overarching plot to the series. Supporting characters appear and disappear seemingly at random. As do the conflicts the heroes overcome. The only consistent storyline throughout the five books was the romance between Serenity and her harem.
Whenever the story started to lull, Debbie Cassidy chucked some new supernatural threat at Serenity to keep things going.
Ancient Greek spiders? The Celtic fae hunt in ghost form? Merlin? Mindless monster hordes? Evil divine people-possessing ghosts? Adam and Eve and Lilith?? Giant mecha robots hidden in a bunker left by ancient mad scientists?? FUCK IT! THROW IN THE WHOLE LOT! Readers don’t care about thematic consistency or sensible plot, right?
Overall tl;dr ★ ★ ★ ½
Alas, Chronicles of Midnight is worth a try. I would recommend it to any RH fan, perhaps with the advice, “Don’t think too hard about anything that happens, and you’ll love it.” The romance is amazing, and in all but the final book, it makes up for what each book lacks in cohesive plot and setting. So the series still earns a spot in my top ten favorite RHs. (Especially Orin. I always have a spot in my heart for Orin.)
March 26, 2018
Rating : 4 stars
A very promising first book.
A maybe too complex world building.
An interesting set of characters and a strong heroine.
Welcome to Midnight, when it's always night and the monsters make the law.
A very promising first book.
A maybe too complex world building.
An interesting set of characters and a strong heroine.
Welcome to Midnight, when it's always night and the monsters make the law.
January 18, 2021
4.5 OMG!
This is sooo much fun, I love it! I couldn't put the book down, it's been ages since that happened.
I like the MC, I like that she's doing her best to survive in a world that doesn't really accept her .
I really enjoyed the world here and the fact that the two 'factions' aren't angels and demons, but Black Wings and White Wings, both of them angels.
So what more can I ask for from a UF? Great characters, fun, engaging plot, a really cool world builder, and lots and lots of action.
I have no idea why more people don't read this book, it's definitely worth trying,
This is sooo much fun, I love it! I couldn't put the book down, it's been ages since that happened.
I like the MC, I like that she's doing her best to survive in a world that doesn't really accept her .
I really enjoyed the world here and the fact that the two 'factions' aren't angels and demons, but Black Wings and White Wings, both of them angels.
So what more can I ask for from a UF? Great characters, fun, engaging plot, a really cool world builder, and lots and lots of action.
I have no idea why more people don't read this book, it's definitely worth trying,
May 7, 2018
New series alert
This was so good, it exceeded my expectations. The writing is absolutely terrific, the characters are awesome and i'm already half in love with all of them. I am invested in the mystery of Serenity. So happy that I don't have to wait months and months for the next book, it's already here!
This was so good, it exceeded my expectations. The writing is absolutely terrific, the characters are awesome and i'm already half in love with all of them. I am invested in the mystery of Serenity. So happy that I don't have to wait months and months for the next book, it's already here!
May 5, 2018
What a great book.
I was drawn into this world, it has just the right amount of intrigue to keep the reader guessing in a good way. I score Serenity, everything about her, her strength and the unconditional love she has for her sister.
Very good series so far.
I was drawn into this world, it has just the right amount of intrigue to keep the reader guessing in a good way. I score Serenity, everything about her, her strength and the unconditional love she has for her sister.
Very good series so far.
September 26, 2020
I mean, I get that it's supposed to be a slow-burn romance, but that doesn't mean it's gotta have NO CONTENT.
Also just found out this book is rh promptly threw up in my mouth, unfortunately means not continuing this series.
Also just found out this book is rh promptly threw up in my mouth, unfortunately means not continuing this series.
October 23, 2018
☆☆☆
No Spoilers! Definitely colorful language! Read using Kindle Unlimited.
I'm pretty into nearly everything going on here. Urban fantasy reverse harem series? YES PLEASE. I found the writing to be slightly choppy, but once you adjust to the unique flow, it suits the world and characters. Cassidy created a world that is slowly revealing its secrets, and characters who are even less inclined to let the reader in, but the plot pushes interesting developments without feeling contrived. Really solid start, and off to read the next one!
No Spoilers! Definitely colorful language! Read using Kindle Unlimited.
I'm pretty into nearly everything going on here. Urban fantasy reverse harem series? YES PLEASE. I found the writing to be slightly choppy, but once you adjust to the unique flow, it suits the world and characters. Cassidy created a world that is slowly revealing its secrets, and characters who are even less inclined to let the reader in, but the plot pushes interesting developments without feeling contrived. Really solid start, and off to read the next one!
September 15, 2021
Not bad start to an interesting world and characters. Will definitely read the next book.
February 17, 2020
Slow burn RH with lots happening!
The first chapter drops you in and leaves you wondering what is going on. It was one of those times where I felt like I had missed a whole lot, to the point I checked to be sure I was indeed reading the first book of the series!
Needless to say I hung in there to figure it all out. The world building is incredible. Fantastic characters. Lots of action. What more could I want?
I am loving that this is slow burn despite the fact that our FMC has an incubus father which means she has some powers of a similar nature. And one of the guys on her new team
just so happens to be an incubus as well.
But, what the hell is Bane? And why does Lilith use him like a juice box? Maybe he's like a black wing battery or something, I don't know.
Curious to know why Ryker being an empath is hiding something. Why does Rivers want to power her up? Who is Ambrosius? So many questions! Time to read book 2!
The first chapter drops you in and leaves you wondering what is going on. It was one of those times where I felt like I had missed a whole lot, to the point I checked to be sure I was indeed reading the first book of the series!
Needless to say I hung in there to figure it all out. The world building is incredible. Fantastic characters. Lots of action. What more could I want?
I am loving that this is slow burn despite the fact that our FMC has an incubus father which means she has some powers of a similar nature. And one of the guys on her new team
just so happens to be an incubus as well.
But, what the hell is Bane? And why does Lilith use him like a juice box? Maybe he's like a black wing battery or something, I don't know.
Curious to know why Ryker being an empath is hiding something. Why does Rivers want to power her up? Who is Ambrosius? So many questions! Time to read book 2!
Want to read
February 10, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/10/2020)! 🎁
April 22, 2018
Thank you Sharon J for recommending this series to me. This was an amazing read. The world was beautiful and intricate. The story was amazing, and got more and more interesting as the story continued. I loved the main character, Serenity. I loved that fact that she fights for what she believes in, and how bad-ass she is while fighting for those things. Also, I love the vulnerable side to her character as well. Also, I loved the guys. I wish I was Serenity, so that I could be around these guys. The guys are all intriguing in their own way, and I can't wait to find out more about them. Also, I thought that they were swoon worthy and protective. These are my type of male characters. If you are a fan of urban fantasy, this book is a must read for you. I can't wait to read Champion of Midnight, so I can see what happens between the guys and Serenity. Overall, an incredible read.
May 2, 2018
I love Urban Fantasy so much that I thought I had read most of the great series's out there. Then undiscovered RH and found a whole new obsession. Then I came across this book, which melded two of my favourite things together and the results are just awesome!
The main character is instantly relatable and likeable. She is tough and kick ass, but not entitled or whingy or arrogant. Her actions band reactions were believable and I was rooting for her the whole time.
And the men... Bane is my new favourite! He is so growly and disagreeable. But they are all great and I love how their relationships slowly and believably develop.
The world building is brilliant as well, with a spin on the usual demon/angel mythology and there feels like so much potential left to explore.
I have devoured the first three books in 2 days and I am so excited for the 4th.
If you love UF, RH or both, then you must pick this up!
The main character is instantly relatable and likeable. She is tough and kick ass, but not entitled or whingy or arrogant. Her actions band reactions were believable and I was rooting for her the whole time.
And the men... Bane is my new favourite! He is so growly and disagreeable. But they are all great and I love how their relationships slowly and believably develop.
The world building is brilliant as well, with a spin on the usual demon/angel mythology and there feels like so much potential left to explore.
I have devoured the first three books in 2 days and I am so excited for the 4th.
If you love UF, RH or both, then you must pick this up!
February 11, 2018
A 5 star read except ... (minor spoiler)
Characters: interesting - I liked them and their personalities
Plot/setting: new and different
Writing style: pretty good
I liked all aspects of the story - the storyline, the characters, their relationships, etc.! All this equaled 5 Stars until the issue (spoiler alert) and I’m extremely pissed about it because I thought I found a new author to read! The book gets 3 stars because it’s good except for the issue which I almost automatically drop 2 points in a rating when it happens.
Spoiler below——
I LOATHE reading about the a main character having sex with another character because “they had to” based on their paranormal difference or job. Writing a paranormal romance - reverse harem or not - means I want romance and intimate scenes between the main characters!!! Not other characters! It RUINS the romance!
I will not read the next book. I will not read this author again. I’ve learned that once an author writes “excusable” cheating then the author will again.
Characters: interesting - I liked them and their personalities
Plot/setting: new and different
Writing style: pretty good
I liked all aspects of the story - the storyline, the characters, their relationships, etc.! All this equaled 5 Stars until the issue (spoiler alert) and I’m extremely pissed about it because I thought I found a new author to read! The book gets 3 stars because it’s good except for the issue which I almost automatically drop 2 points in a rating when it happens.
Spoiler below——
I LOATHE reading about the a main character having sex with another character because “they had to” based on their paranormal difference or job. Writing a paranormal romance - reverse harem or not - means I want romance and intimate scenes between the main characters!!! Not other characters! It RUINS the romance!
I will not read the next book. I will not read this author again. I’ve learned that once an author writes “excusable” cheating then the author will again.
September 19, 2019
I enjoy most of Debbie Cassidy's stuff. This was almost four stars, but not quite there yet. Some of the angst got to me a bit with some of the love interests (or eventual ones, this is a slower simmer), but not the main character. I don't get the reasoning with the sister, the excuse is a little flimsy on its invention in order to have sad drama for the story, which I didn't think it needed. She's a super special girl, but I don't mind the snowflake thing so that didn't bother. I don't get why she's considered so rare considering there seems like two people in the book already who have her class with just a different name? Must be something I'm missing. It's good, but hasn't addicted me yet as a series.
February 22, 2020
Except for the fact that I thought I was starting this series in the middle, it is an okay read. Hit the ground running is what comes to mind when I think of that start. And after actually checking that it is indeed the first book, and feeling my way around to understand the world and whats happening, I did enjoy it. Also it is supposed to be a reverse harem series but the burn is really slooooowww! By the end there is still no apparent love interest and I felt like I was playing a whack a mole or guessing game, trying to figure out who are in the harem. Hopefully the second book will provide answers.
***Just for note***
I choose this book for the cover. There was a discussion with the Kickers about books with "kick ass heroines with a sword" and I only remembered that most of the time I just avoid them, talk about judging a book by its cover. After reading this book, I think I might actually give them a chance.
Also, maybe irrelevant but it was exciting for me. I am currently reading John Milton's Paradise Lost, and it was interesting to come across some names common in both books and some theories about angles, the fallen, demons, free will etc. It was nice to make some connections and see how authors play around with these beings, ideas and theories to create the worlds that we love.
Back to the book, its not a bad start and I like that the world was not presented on a silver platter, I had to figure it out on my own, it was interesting. I also think I am going to love Serenity, I am looking forward to seeing if my theory on who are in her harem is correct. I am excited to get to the second book.
***Just for note***
I choose this book for the cover. There was a discussion with the Kickers about books with "kick ass heroines with a sword" and I only remembered that most of the time I just avoid them, talk about judging a book by its cover. After reading this book, I think I might actually give them a chance.
Also, maybe irrelevant but it was exciting for me. I am currently reading John Milton's Paradise Lost, and it was interesting to come across some names common in both books and some theories about angles, the fallen, demons, free will etc. It was nice to make some connections and see how authors play around with these beings, ideas and theories to create the worlds that we love.
Back to the book, its not a bad start and I like that the world was not presented on a silver platter, I had to figure it out on my own, it was interesting. I also think I am going to love Serenity, I am looking forward to seeing if my theory on who are in her harem is correct. I am excited to get to the second book.
May 1, 2018
Serenity has been hiding the fact that she's not human ever since she appeared in Arcadia at the age of four, with no memories of where she came from and no way to get out. But now that there is a threat to humans at Sunset, her secret is in danger of being discovered.
I loved it, every single second of it! The working of the world fascinated me. A city with no way out of it? And the districts - Midnight, Dawn, Sunset. Clever and mysterious. And there were Nephilim! You should know that I love reading about angels and their offsprings. And the whole Order of Merlin thing, how does it all work together? Gods, I just love all the intrigue, it has me bouncing in my seat.
The characters were complex and I couldn't get a clear read on any of them.
To put it simply, I have no idea about what's going on with any aspect of the story and I fucking love it. Now give me the next book.
I loved it, every single second of it! The working of the world fascinated me. A city with no way out of it? And the districts - Midnight, Dawn, Sunset. Clever and mysterious. And there were Nephilim! You should know that I love reading about angels and their offsprings. And the whole Order of Merlin thing, how does it all work together? Gods, I just love all the intrigue, it has me bouncing in my seat.
The characters were complex and I couldn't get a clear read on any of them.
To put it simply, I have no idea about what's going on with any aspect of the story and I fucking love it. Now give me the next book.
May 20, 2018
I think this book has the potential to bloossom into an awesome series or crash and burn... Good foundation, but I think the male characters are lacking a little thus far. I want more angst and challenges not just secrets that are kind of easy to guess at. Hopefully this gets rectified in the next couple books. Onto book two I go...
September 23, 2019
First in The Chronicles of Midnight series. A post modern world that has been altered by the leakage of Arcane magic. There are the changed and the unchanged divided into different zones called Midnight and Sunset. A very like able and intriguing heroine, Serenity Harper. This series has lots of magic, action, humans, ‘monsters’ and plenty of potential love interests.
May 25, 2018
KU
This was a geat read despite the number of typos, which are only annoying rather than devastating. The characters are well drawn and the build up of relationships rings true.
Can’t wait to get stuck into the next novel.
This was a geat read despite the number of typos, which are only annoying rather than devastating. The characters are well drawn and the build up of relationships rings true.
Can’t wait to get stuck into the next novel.
May 27, 2018
3 stars
While I can't say I loved this one, I am diving in because I am told it gets really good in later books. So we shall see!
The premise behind the story is stellar. The world-building is compelling. The male characters are intriguing and several of them are hot as hell (Bane!). The side characters are interesting. The dynamics between humans and nephs add great depth to the world. All in all, a lot of potential here!
So why am I not over-the-moon gaga for this series?
Because the MC, Serenity, is so frackin' annoying I can hardly stand it. The twit is seriously unable to make coherent, rational decisions. She has spent nearly her entire life living amongst humans and suppressing her neph "darkness", with almost no interactions with nephs she is not hunting. And yet she is stupid and arrogant enough to believe she has all the answers. That she knows best what to do - even in the face of incontrovertible proof otherwise and with people who have spent years in the neph world telling her otherwise. Hell, even people with similar abilities telling her differently.
She. Just. Won't. Listen. ARGH!
Not to mention, she is very inconsistently written. One minute we are supposed to believe she is this snarky, hot-tempered, kickarse heroine. The next she is so weak she can hardly stop her lip trembling or prevent tears and her hands shake so badly she spills coffee.
And she is whiny as all get-out. A literal quote: "I don't wanna be a hero. I just wanna stay here with my friends and Jesse." Seriously? Is she 12?
There were also numerous logic breaks in the plot. Some of the plot holes were big enough to drive a dump truck through. I was driven batty by the fragile humans all living in Midnight, knowing there are regular attacks, but not having hardened underground bunkers to retreat to. Really? And not having radios or cell phones always with them on patrol in order to be able to call for backup? Doh! What kind of law enforcement are they?
But I have hope. If the MC can get her shite together and her head out of her arse, then this series stands a real chance. Signing up.
UPDATE PROGRESS NOTES:
84.0% "Uh...and what happened to her frackin' cell phone? Surely they take those with them on patrol? To call for backup when needed? Doh!"
84.0% "OMFG woman, you are a frackin' foolish twit. Are you incapable of learning? Seriously?"
77.0% "I don't understand why all these humans living in Midnight don't have hardened underground bunkers in their basement to ride out the scourge runs. That makes zero sense to me. Why are they huddling in houses behind glass windows and flimsy doors and thinking that will work? (Think The Purge here)"
74.0% "Ah, answer (sort of) to the question of gardens and trees and grass..."
73.0% "Why the frack is she using the Aether daggers? I thought she specifically was given the white and gold dagger set to use so she could keep the Aether daggers hidden??"
72.0% "And yet you STILL don't get it, do you, twit? Serenity is one of the more irritating MC's..."
67.0% "God, Serenity is really a frackin' fool. She always knows better. No one else could possibly understand. She is in control. GAH! Even though she knows she has been isolated her whole life and doesn't know much of anything about most paranormal races, including her own. She didn't even know what she was. Unbelievably annoying."
64.0% "Umm...how exactly do gardens and trees and grass and such exist in Midnight if it is always night and the only light is the moon (and the stars)?"
43.0% "*sigh* You are such a twit, Serenity. An arrogant, know-it-all twit. These people know more than you do, and yet you won't listen, won't learn. Denying your own nature is just going to make things worse. GAH"
38.0% "I am getting this weird deja vu sense. Wonder if I read this before and forgot? Surely there couldn't be another series with a Roan as a paranormal, could there? (Oh, wait, I think Mercy Thompson did, right?) Roan, Siren, Banshee, Incubus, Cambion, Black Wing, White Wing, magic users... I like the unique paranormal aspects."
30.0% "You know this, you twit! Why are you acting all surprised?"
26.0% "Argh! And the reluctant paranormal trope is trotted out. Blech."
16.0% "Okay, just started this and already the MC is making me rant. Seriously? Sip, slurp, drink drink drink? WTF?
And a whole lotta whiny boo hooing. "But I don't wanna be a hero. I just wanna stay here with my friends and Jesse." What is she, 10? *throwing my hands up in disgust*"
16.0% "Get it together you twit. How can she be such a stuttering mess?"
15.0% "Sounds like a mole in the SPD to me"
11.0% "Hmm... Serenity just made a big deal out of Ryker wearing sunglasses that she wasn't see he could see much through, and now she is talking about his eyes? How can she even see them? Continuity issue here methinks"
While I can't say I loved this one, I am diving in because I am told it gets really good in later books. So we shall see!
The premise behind the story is stellar. The world-building is compelling. The male characters are intriguing and several of them are hot as hell (Bane!). The side characters are interesting. The dynamics between humans and nephs add great depth to the world. All in all, a lot of potential here!
So why am I not over-the-moon gaga for this series?
Because the MC, Serenity, is so frackin' annoying I can hardly stand it. The twit is seriously unable to make coherent, rational decisions. She has spent nearly her entire life living amongst humans and suppressing her neph "darkness", with almost no interactions with nephs she is not hunting. And yet she is stupid and arrogant enough to believe she has all the answers. That she knows best what to do - even in the face of incontrovertible proof otherwise and with people who have spent years in the neph world telling her otherwise. Hell, even people with similar abilities telling her differently.
She. Just. Won't. Listen. ARGH!
Not to mention, she is very inconsistently written. One minute we are supposed to believe she is this snarky, hot-tempered, kickarse heroine. The next she is so weak she can hardly stop her lip trembling or prevent tears and her hands shake so badly she spills coffee.
And she is whiny as all get-out. A literal quote: "I don't wanna be a hero. I just wanna stay here with my friends and Jesse." Seriously? Is she 12?
There were also numerous logic breaks in the plot. Some of the plot holes were big enough to drive a dump truck through. I was driven batty by the fragile humans all living in Midnight, knowing there are regular attacks, but not having hardened underground bunkers to retreat to. Really? And not having radios or cell phones always with them on patrol in order to be able to call for backup? Doh! What kind of law enforcement are they?
But I have hope. If the MC can get her shite together and her head out of her arse, then this series stands a real chance. Signing up.
UPDATE PROGRESS NOTES:
84.0% "Uh...and what happened to her frackin' cell phone? Surely they take those with them on patrol? To call for backup when needed? Doh!"
84.0% "OMFG woman, you are a frackin' foolish twit. Are you incapable of learning? Seriously?"
77.0% "I don't understand why all these humans living in Midnight don't have hardened underground bunkers in their basement to ride out the scourge runs. That makes zero sense to me. Why are they huddling in houses behind glass windows and flimsy doors and thinking that will work? (Think The Purge here)"
74.0% "Ah, answer (sort of) to the question of gardens and trees and grass..."
73.0% "Why the frack is she using the Aether daggers? I thought she specifically was given the white and gold dagger set to use so she could keep the Aether daggers hidden??"
72.0% "And yet you STILL don't get it, do you, twit? Serenity is one of the more irritating MC's..."
67.0% "God, Serenity is really a frackin' fool. She always knows better. No one else could possibly understand. She is in control. GAH! Even though she knows she has been isolated her whole life and doesn't know much of anything about most paranormal races, including her own. She didn't even know what she was. Unbelievably annoying."
64.0% "Umm...how exactly do gardens and trees and grass and such exist in Midnight if it is always night and the only light is the moon (and the stars)?"
43.0% "*sigh* You are such a twit, Serenity. An arrogant, know-it-all twit. These people know more than you do, and yet you won't listen, won't learn. Denying your own nature is just going to make things worse. GAH"
38.0% "I am getting this weird deja vu sense. Wonder if I read this before and forgot? Surely there couldn't be another series with a Roan as a paranormal, could there? (Oh, wait, I think Mercy Thompson did, right?) Roan, Siren, Banshee, Incubus, Cambion, Black Wing, White Wing, magic users... I like the unique paranormal aspects."
30.0% "You know this, you twit! Why are you acting all surprised?"
26.0% "Argh! And the reluctant paranormal trope is trotted out. Blech."
16.0% "Okay, just started this and already the MC is making me rant. Seriously? Sip, slurp, drink drink drink? WTF?
And a whole lotta whiny boo hooing. "But I don't wanna be a hero. I just wanna stay here with my friends and Jesse." What is she, 10? *throwing my hands up in disgust*"
16.0% "Get it together you twit. How can she be such a stuttering mess?"
15.0% "Sounds like a mole in the SPD to me"
11.0% "Hmm... Serenity just made a big deal out of Ryker wearing sunglasses that she wasn't see he could see much through, and now she is talking about his eyes? How can she even see them? Continuity issue here methinks"
March 29, 2020
Review for the whole of the series:
I wanted to like this series more... but it just wasn't good. The world-building was weak and I think that the relationships were weak as well. Cassie was annoying from book 1, Orin was also really annoying. I don't think that the romantic relationships in this book really had time to develop into anything very strong even though it is a "slow burn" RH.
I wanted to like this series more... but it just wasn't good. The world-building was weak and I think that the relationships were weak as well. Cassie was annoying from book 1, Orin was also really annoying. I don't think that the romantic relationships in this book really had time to develop into anything very strong even though it is a "slow burn" RH.
June 14, 2018
I think there's the kernel of a good book in here somewhere. The plot and characterization (and the writing in general, tbh) were just too uneven for me to really enjoy it, though. I almost quit reading halfway through because of the bad pacing and weird flip-flopping of Serenity's character.
April 15, 2018
The writing was good and the plot was interesting. Definitely reading more!
January 29, 2020
Fantastic start! I'm intrigued...
I liked the story, world, characters and interesting take on the supernatural species and myths.
The mysteries of this bizarre pocket dimension type world are slowly revealed as the story progresses and the characters' backstories and personal lives are similarly beginning to be explored, while keeping the action going.
It's fairly slow burn RH, with the fmc attracted to, or developing feelings for, several potential love/sex interests, but which haven't developed into romantic relationships at this stage.
I liked the writer's style as well, it was easy to read, held just enough detail to interest without infodumping and made me want to read to find out more, although there were quite a few plot holes and issues that should have been caught in proof-reading and editing.
There are a quite a few details that I'd like filling out...
For the most part I liked the fmc, Serenity. She was strong and independent, not a damsel, (her biggest weaknesses so far being her fear of herself and a certain pigheaded arrogance). Her hang ups and emotional seesaws are believeable and well described: someone who has spent a lifetime trying to be normal and hide that they're a monster by human standards is bound to have difficulties reversing that conditioning and accepting their nature, especially when that nature goes against what they have been raised to believe is morally right and can result in killing someone. And even more so when being a monster means leaving everything and everyone she knows and loves. It will be a great relief when she finally stops fighting herself, however, and actually properly trains her ability.
What I hated about her was the arrogant "I know better" trope that is so common with many UF heroines. She just moved to a section of the city she knows little about, with a wholly different culture and group of beings that are totally alien, yet doesn't listen to those who have lived there all their lives and she doesn't learn, even when she knows she is ignorant. It's infuriating. And of course it's an attitude that will lead to all sorts of drama...
Presumably as the series goes on we will find out more about Arcadia and the reasons no-one can leave and why no more are mysteriously wandering in...? Is it some sort of prison? A supernatural sanctuary that somehow became cut off from the outside world? All that remains of Earth after the apocalypse? Will we learn it's history? Guess I'll have to keep reading in the hopes of finding out!
I liked the story, world, characters and interesting take on the supernatural species and myths.
The mysteries of this bizarre pocket dimension type world are slowly revealed as the story progresses and the characters' backstories and personal lives are similarly beginning to be explored, while keeping the action going.
It's fairly slow burn RH, with the fmc attracted to, or developing feelings for, several potential love/sex interests, but which haven't developed into romantic relationships at this stage.
I liked the writer's style as well, it was easy to read, held just enough detail to interest without infodumping and made me want to read to find out more, although there were quite a few plot holes and issues that should have been caught in proof-reading and editing.
There are a quite a few details that I'd like filling out...
For the most part I liked the fmc, Serenity. She was strong and independent, not a damsel, (her biggest weaknesses so far being her fear of herself and a certain pigheaded arrogance). Her hang ups and emotional seesaws are believeable and well described: someone who has spent a lifetime trying to be normal and hide that they're a monster by human standards is bound to have difficulties reversing that conditioning and accepting their nature, especially when that nature goes against what they have been raised to believe is morally right and can result in killing someone. And even more so when being a monster means leaving everything and everyone she knows and loves. It will be a great relief when she finally stops fighting herself, however, and actually properly trains her ability.
What I hated about her was the arrogant "I know better" trope that is so common with many UF heroines. She just moved to a section of the city she knows little about, with a wholly different culture and group of beings that are totally alien, yet doesn't listen to those who have lived there all their lives and she doesn't learn, even when she knows she is ignorant. It's infuriating. And of course it's an attitude that will lead to all sorts of drama...
Presumably as the series goes on we will find out more about Arcadia and the reasons no-one can leave and why no more are mysteriously wandering in...? Is it some sort of prison? A supernatural sanctuary that somehow became cut off from the outside world? All that remains of Earth after the apocalypse? Will we learn it's history? Guess I'll have to keep reading in the hopes of finding out!
December 22, 2018
Spoilers
I enjoyed this book! There is cussing and just enough sexual tension to keep a girl intrigued and wanting to see where things go. There's a few possible love interests but no instalove which I appreciate.
The story revolves around a woman who lives in sunset, working as the law,and keeping a strict leash on her powers to ensure no one ever finds out she isn't human. Tough luck. She gets shipped off to midnight where all the creepy crawlys, vamps, nephs, black wings, lupines, etc live. There she gets into enforcement and we learn what she is and some of the things she is able to do. There are smaller story arcs in this: humans are going missing, vamps are illegally recruiting, and her sister has tried to follow her to the midnight district from sunset where she belongs. We find out what has been taking the humans but not yet the answer to the enigmatic "something darker is coming". I believe that and the follow up to the vampire problem will get answered in upcoming books. I was intrigued by the daggers and the voice in her head that sometimes helps as well as the dynamic between the few nephs that she works with. I read a lot in this genre so I was happy to see a different take on their world: people can get into Acadia (which has 3 districts in either constant night, sunset, or [¿wherever The white wings live?]). Nothing is as it seems and The author does a good job of making you wonder what is really going on in the districts as well as the whole of arcadia. It's like it's own bubble of fantasy land where every 20 years they get a few people who wander in (such as our Mc which is another conundrum) but no one can ever leave- they always end up right back where they started when they try! Intriguing!
The book does need editing as of 12\2018; there are quite a few instances where quotations start but don't stop which causes pause as I had to stop and determine where the character had stopped talking. this and other errors happened enough that I took a star off but not so terrible that it made reading difficult or irritating.
I recommend this book.
I enjoyed this book! There is cussing and just enough sexual tension to keep a girl intrigued and wanting to see where things go. There's a few possible love interests but no instalove which I appreciate.
The story revolves around a woman who lives in sunset, working as the law,and keeping a strict leash on her powers to ensure no one ever finds out she isn't human. Tough luck. She gets shipped off to midnight where all the creepy crawlys, vamps, nephs, black wings, lupines, etc live. There she gets into enforcement and we learn what she is and some of the things she is able to do. There are smaller story arcs in this: humans are going missing, vamps are illegally recruiting, and her sister has tried to follow her to the midnight district from sunset where she belongs. We find out what has been taking the humans but not yet the answer to the enigmatic "something darker is coming". I believe that and the follow up to the vampire problem will get answered in upcoming books. I was intrigued by the daggers and the voice in her head that sometimes helps as well as the dynamic between the few nephs that she works with. I read a lot in this genre so I was happy to see a different take on their world: people can get into Acadia (which has 3 districts in either constant night, sunset, or [¿wherever The white wings live?]). Nothing is as it seems and The author does a good job of making you wonder what is really going on in the districts as well as the whole of arcadia. It's like it's own bubble of fantasy land where every 20 years they get a few people who wander in (such as our Mc which is another conundrum) but no one can ever leave- they always end up right back where they started when they try! Intriguing!
The book does need editing as of 12\2018; there are quite a few instances where quotations start but don't stop which causes pause as I had to stop and determine where the character had stopped talking. this and other errors happened enough that I took a star off but not so terrible that it made reading difficult or irritating.
I recommend this book.
September 10, 2018
Ok so I started this series in hopes of getting maybe some world building or a back story or something to this author's other series which starts with City of Demons. Nope, that did not happen. These books seem to be happening in the same world but are completely different. I am not really sure they are even in the same time period but could be who knows.
As far as series starters goes despite the lack of world building and backstory, it was really a pretty good read. The FMC has backbone, and a super strong sense of loyalty, as well as a strong moral compass; however, she has alot to learn and is stubborn and makes mistakes for all the same reasons i like her. Once again, we start the series with the Angels and Demons concept except there are random bits of other thrown in. The other being mythology about Merlin, and even Greek mythology. It is a little disconcerting plowing along and getting the feel for a story and having these other plot lines waylaying you and causing you to become adrift. The FMC is chosen by a Merlin made weapon....has to even pull them from the stone....sounds familiar lol.
I like this authors writing style. Its almost like she is such a huge fan of mythology that she cant help but mash it all up in a series. I really want to know how all the loose ends get tied up, and what the real endgame is.
As far as series starters goes despite the lack of world building and backstory, it was really a pretty good read. The FMC has backbone, and a super strong sense of loyalty, as well as a strong moral compass; however, she has alot to learn and is stubborn and makes mistakes for all the same reasons i like her. Once again, we start the series with the Angels and Demons concept except there are random bits of other thrown in. The other being mythology about Merlin, and even Greek mythology. It is a little disconcerting plowing along and getting the feel for a story and having these other plot lines waylaying you and causing you to become adrift. The FMC is chosen by a Merlin made weapon....has to even pull them from the stone....sounds familiar lol.
I like this authors writing style. Its almost like she is such a huge fan of mythology that she cant help but mash it all up in a series. I really want to know how all the loose ends get tied up, and what the real endgame is.
April 29, 2018
*4.5*
While I enjoyed this book not much happened.
It was all about the world building, and that got a little overwhelming.
I do feel like I got to know all of the characters pretty well.
There were a few spelling errors but not enough to ruin it for me.
I will be reading the next book.
While I enjoyed this book not much happened.
It was all about the world building, and that got a little overwhelming.
I do feel like I got to know all of the characters pretty well.
There were a few spelling errors but not enough to ruin it for me.
I will be reading the next book.
April 4, 2020
Took me a bit to get into, but the last quarter of the book was much better. Very very slow burn, no actual romance
September 2, 2021
Passable writing. Had a fun time reading it (shut your brain off and just go with the flow kind). Can't put it down. A promising first book.
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