Night Trials

Midnight Magic #3

by Richard Amos

Secrets are like hot coals—you can’t hold onto them for long. And my big secret just burned right through my hands.

Damn.

Things have really turned sour. I’d been looking for answers, but then along came the biggest plot twist of my life, with me as the star. Core-shaking stuff, details I would’ve been happy to never know.

Sometimes it’s good to be left in the dark.

Damn.

My relationship with the mega-yummy billionaire vampire Tae Frost is now on the line. One moment things were hotting up between us, the next… WHAM! Rug pulled out from under. Hard.

Have I already said damn?

With danger at every turn, my Arcana powers growing at an alarming rate, I’m left with no choice but to face the music of these awful truths.

After all, there’s no run option.

Man, what a trial!

Night Trials is the third book in an Urban Fantasy Romance series packed with magic, demons, action, and steamy moments. Step into the world of a warlock who always tries to see the sunny side of life, and the sexy vampire who makes his knees go weak.

This book is not a standalone and is best enjoyed by reading Night Tricks (Book 1) and Night Troubles (Book 2) first.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Magic, Romance, M M Romance, Vampires, Paranormal

366 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 2022

About the author

Richard Amos is an author from England who is constantly lost in the worlds he writes about, and the ones in the queue yet to be written. He also has more books in his house than anything else, and is never without a book (and chocolate) in his hands when he's not writing. He’s a proud nerd who loves to dance. Hard.

Richard writes M/M Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, and Paranormal Romance, all with tons of kick-ass action, adventure, twisty plots, and yummy times.

🔗 https://linktr.ee/richardamosauthor

Reviews

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick re-read before moving onto Tremors.

3.75*

I’m enjoying this series and I’m disappointed that the next book isn’t out yet.

This takes a surprising turn and it’s a rollercoaster ride from start to finish.

[Richard Amos]

[AshPenny37 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Night Trials is not a standalone - the action picks up directly after where book two finished and we're immersed in the fallout from Clay and Tae running straight into danger. The brilliant world building continues here, this time mostly in the demon realm. On our heroes’ journey we finally meet the big bad, whose network of supporters puts all of our crew in jeopardy. Clay and Tae, though, still have a great developing bond as well as the same mission…to save the human realm from demonic influences. The problem? Well, that mission is tricky to say the least, but add to that the truth coming out about some aspects of both Tae and Clay’s family histories, and questions about trust and worth bubble to the surface.

The plot is as twisty turny as you would expect three books deep into the series. There are some real heart-in-mouth moments as well as ones that bring out sympathy in unexpected quarters and a real appreciation for found family. Let's be honest, though, it's the demon realm…progress is never going to be easy, though help is offered from an unlikely source just when things seem to be at their bleakest. Can it be trusted?

It's no secret I love this author’s imagination, ability to craft exciting and dangerous worlds, and quirky characters. The series so far has been a winner and, for my money, he’s done it again with Night Trials - an easy 5*. I already can't wait for book four.

An ARC was provided by the author. This is my honest review.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING 😍
Damn, Richard you are a LEGEND man . Ah were to start. Right let's start with buttons ☺- i like him so much more now haha his got something about him that im liking 🤷🏽‍♀️
Poor Clay that guy has been though some s**t but he never gives up and thats amazing. I'm glad Tae is coming out a bit more with his love for Clay , yes I'm saying love even if he dont know it yet 😂
I love the banter this book has it in, Richard is on point with it.
Looking forward to book four.

[Book Life With Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Night Trials, the third book in the Midnight Magic series by Richard Amos and it was just as magical as the first two—if not more so as our fabulous cast of characters continue to take us on a beautifully plotted and well crafted journey of perseverance, love, friendship and survival that flows perfectly throughout the story.

This book continues the story of Clay and Tae from right where the second book left us hanging and them dealing with all the drama and suspense from their last encounters—and takes us right into new adventures in the demon realm and leaves you questioning everything you thought you knew. With Tae struggling after recent discoveries and Clay right in the midst of the Demon Queen and her “crew” you just know this journey is going to be quite the roller coaster ride!

I loved the steamy connections and string bombs developing between the two and how Amos continues to build on their feelings throughout this series. So many revelations were made and histories revealed, that this one truly will have you on the edge of your seat in anticipation as the story unfolds before your eyes with non stop action, mysteries and betrayals. I can’t wait to find out what’s going to happen next!!!

Overall if you love a good Urban Fantasy M/M romance series that’s packed full of action, steam, fight scenes, magic, warlocks, vampires, demons and an epic battle then this is the one for you!

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warlock Clay Christmas had been looking for answers when some of them came crashing into his life exposing his biggest secret to vampire billionaire Tae Frost - that Clay was a part-demon which has put their entire relationship on hold. With growing arcana powers and expectations from his demon family, he is just going to have to face the night trials and hope that Tae will forgive him and that they can find their way back to each other before it is too late!

This is part three of a series and you need to have read the previous books first. The cliffhanger at the end of the previous book really exposed Clay to his parentage and the rest of the family was quite a shock - especially the identity of the demon called Buttons. I think it was a good opportunity for both Clay and Tae to think about their relationship, where it was going, and how they really felt about each other. The trial was quite unusual and quite good fun to read and I definitely have friends who share a dislike and distrust of clowns too. The end result was interesting and definitely helped set up things for the following books in the series. I was thrilled that Tae and Clay were back as a cohesive unit and that they were looking forward to the future together. Tae definitely turned a corner in his trust in Clay and their relationship moving forward. Sensitively written and great at making me feel as if I was there and experiencing some of the events in this book, I now can't wait to read the next one in the series. Contains mature content of an M/M nature.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mind is a gooey mess leaking out of my ears right now. This book took everything I thought I was starting to figure out about Clay’s world and shook it up like a snow globe. It’s filled with new revelations, edge-of-your-seat action, and more double-crosses than you can shake a stick at. And just when it looks like Clay might get a break, it all gets shaken up again. I’m desperate to find out what will happen next.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.

[JJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Team

Book 3 wow always a brilliant beautiful story Richard not let us down just brilliant

The story between Clay Tae is beautiful and funny
Richard world building and funny one lines make it for me

Again Richard takes you by the hand a leads you through the story I feel this so much

Danger magic key to different worlds take you through the story trust love between clay and Tae is beautiful

I love the way clay care and loves fizz me to lol

This story keeps given but I do need more

Have to say Richard can do no wrong in my eyes and wow he doing dark amazing

This series is brilliant not read Richard before stated with this series you want be disappointed

Thanks Richard keep writing I keep reading

[R E · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at about 60% through.

What did I see in the first two books? This one, Night Trials, is dreadfully written from beginning to end.

Just a couple samples of the writing should make my point clear:

"His words were vicious poison, my fury the antidote. Any second now, he’d be receiving a dose."

"My frustration was a living monster to be slain."

Middle school students can write better lives than these. I could chalk it all up as an attempt at camp humor, but it’s not good enough:

“Where is he?” Tae asked as smooth as good butter. The silky kind, perfect for spreading on crumpets or all over me. Call me the crumpet to his butter, let him melt into me and—"

See what I mean? Just make it stop.

The protagonist, Clay, is meant to be earnest, even having a touch of Opie Taylor-like innocence about him. Instead of “Damn!” or some other cuss word, his go-to is “Gosh!” But author Richard Amos also gives him a snarky streak mixed with irreverent humor, and the earnest innocence and boring, flat attempts at humor combine to make the bad writing nearly intolerable. The characterization, in general, is painfully simple-minded. The author gives his characters one-dimensional emotional reactions that go nowhere. Instead of opening up into a more rounded or complex understanding, the same emotions are just played and replayed in loops that last for pages. It’s stultifying and aggravating.

There’s also a hollowness to the writing I didn’t pick up in the first two books, perhaps because I read them when I wasn’t feeling well. The hollowness seems to stem from a disconnect between the main character, Clay, and the emotions or seriousness of the situations in which he and those he cares about find themselves. Or, if he does allow himself to experience the feelings, they’re shallow and superficial. The author fails to explore the tensions and ramifications of the plot points that Clay and Tae confront, almost as if the author phoned in this third book of the series.

For instance, early on, Clay has been caught by the demons he hates, a prisoner in their own realm. Drawing on the book’s video-game inspiration, we’re told that there are a thousand “levels” in the demon realm, and Clay is being transported to the very heart of the realm, without a clue as to how to escape, and those imprisoning him are immune to his magic. If he tries to escape, the demons have human captives, people Clay cares for, and they’ll be slaughtered at the first sign of resistance. Worse, the man/vampire he loves hates demons, and he’s just found out Clay is part demon.

So, what does Clay do? He springs a hard-on. WTF?

There’s also long stretches of painfully cliché dialogue, so bad I felt embarrassed for the author.

Then there’s the Big Reveal, the explanation of the ultimate goal and comprehensive story arc running through the books. One again we get simple-minded, video game storyline drivel. Boring, lazy, too derivative and uninspired by half.

I was feeling poorly, dealing with constant headaches, when I read the first two as a distraction. Clearly, the pain affected my standards. I won’t be buying another one of these.

[Sean Cornell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Careful there will be spoilers.

Sooooo…… let’s start off with the fact that I love the basis of this story and the over all plot is super interesting. Now, why I can’t give it 5 stars. Clay is not 5 star worthy. I mean come on. He’s super flat to be a main character. He’s obsessed with his cat, Kylie (seriously we get it for the 3,000th time) and di*k. He has zero self esteem and is completely ok with being a willing hole to. Buck up dude, having someone constantly remind you that you are not the love of their life and jerk your emotions back and forth. Hot and Cold, yet you’re always there for it. When ever they want. Also, the bitch fits…..l ugh this character could have been written so much better with much more depth.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m enjoying this series, and this latest book is a rollercoaster ride that keeps up until the last page. I loved the revelations, especially about Clay’s family. He and Tae go through a lot in this book, as do their friends.

Clay grows a lot through this story, especially with his struggle with Arcana. It says a lot for him that he’s still one of the good guys, considering who his family are. His mother, in particular, is a nasty piece of work. I love Clay and Tae’s growing relationship, and one of my favourite parts was Tae determined to find Clay whatever the cost. Their scenes with Fizz, who loves both of them, are very sweet. I liked that, despite not doubting his love for Clay, Tae takes a while to get his head around everything, including his still grieving for his wife and son. I thought that was realistic.

The worldbuilding, already detailed and rich, steps up another notch with the demon realm. I liked how it all works, especially the train system. I liked the introduction of new characters in this one and particularly liked Phillipe. Nice plot twist with Grindle too. And with Buttons and the demon who killed Tae’s family.

Victoria and Archie are very much involved in this story, which shows their strength of character and friendship with Tae, and now Clay. They’re more than a triangle of trust. They’re a family.

The action scenes are tense and keep upping the ante as Clay is faced with impossible choices. The final scene adds yet another level of danger. I’m hanging out to see what happens next, and trusting the author to give them their much deserved happy ending, although there’s no doubt they’re going to have to work for it.

[Yunga2013 · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was the third installment of Ruchard Amos's Midnight Magic series. Here the story takes us to the demon realm where Clay and Tae need to battle those super villains they had intended to battle. How did it go? Were they ready? Are we ever ready? Those are the million dollar questions. When reviewing books of this author I always emphasise how enamoured I am by the wonderful worlds he creates. This series is no exception. The demon realm is described amazingly with some small quirky details and so vividly that you almost feel the chill in the air, almost see those dark skies that are so different and somehow similar to ours. That's magic. I also get fascinated every time some fantastic creature appears on the pages... they are so real and so inconceivable at the same time!
So, this book starts exactly where the previous one ended, and we travel to the demon realm to see how Clay and Tae go through their trials, one of them being a real one - part of the 'save the world' mission and the other one - an internal trial each of our heroes is enduring in order to understand themselves, their feelings, and their aspirations.
And all this exciting plotline is packed with action, battles, magic, and some serious steam. What else to wish for?
I think, it's a wonderful part of the series which was an absolute delight to read and to dive into. Highly recommended for all Urban fantasy lovers who also like to go a little deeper and think about our human nature. You'll have an amazing journey 🙂

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Night Trials is the third book in Richard Amos's Midnight Magic series and Clay's secret is officially out in the open. Tae knows what he is, and now they are both in what complicated situation. Clay has been taken deeper into the demon realm and Tae...well, Tae got the boot. Can Tae find his way back in to rescue Clay? Can he put aside the emotions he's clung to concerning demons and what they did to him and his family? Well, those questions wait to be answered inside this book.
Night Trials really takes you along on a ride as Clay battles to stay safe and Tae fights to get back to the warlock who has brought a spot of brightness into his life. There is so much going on in this book and I love the world-building and the transitions between the characters. It keeps me engaged and coming back for more. I like Clay's "look on the bright side" disposition, for the most part. But sometimes I just want a little bit of darkness from him.
This book is packed with a lot going on and I'm looking forward to book four of this series. I'm rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.

[Belleruche Symphonica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some minor annoyances:
Before the big demon-Clay reveal, Clay mentions that he's known Grindle for years, and Tae does not react to this. It's like the author just forgot the plot for a little while.
The arcana magic allows him to fly, but only for a little while. Why don't he just use his wings instead?? Why are they there, if not for flight? Just to look cool? They manifest at the same time as arcana, so he could've used them and saved his magic 🤷🏻‍♀️
After doing the duck trial, he's suddenly well enough to run the fastest he can, and then fight Buttons? When it's said over and over his healing magic is just superficial/minor? (Also why didn't he just freeze blast the guy with the flamethrower or the flamethrower itself? His magic has some elemntal properties)
Why didn't Tae just take the head/spinal cord of Isaiah with him for Clay to arcana-kill later?

I also thought the last part of Clay and Taes time in the demon world was rushed, the whole explosives/service tunnels didn't make much sense. It was a fun read, tho.

[Chey]

Book three in the Midnight Magic series continues Clay and Tae's story as Clay learns more about his Arcane powers, and his relationship with Tae is tested to the point of breaking.

3.5 Stars
The series has been pretty good so far, with the author's world building being the best part. I've loved the world he's created and the magic that has come with it. Clay is also a favorite of mine, and he's so innocent it's cute. I like Tae, but there have been points where I question if he is good for Clay.

The plot is starting to plateau for me. It seems like we're getting into some repetition and nothing exciting is happening. Yes there were parts of this book that had action and excitement, but it was enough to keep wholly invested. Hopefully the last two books in the series will pick it up again.

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clay and Tae's story continues right at the point where it stopped at the end of book 2, with all the tension and expectations of what may come. There are finally some answers to big and important questions provided, and we learn more about the family secrets of both our protagonists too. With many sharp twists and turns, the book does not get boring at any point, develops fast, and drives both the plot and the character development swiftly forward. The third book in the series also provides a wide range of emotions while diving deeper and deeper into the vivid, complex world. We get to know Clay and Tae more and better than before, and watching the thorny path their relationship takes is not always easy, once the reader gets attached and emotionally invested. I definitely enjoyed the book.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed and loved this series so far, but I think this is my favorite of them. Clay is such an innocent soul who loves everyone and everything, and he cares so much, it’s hard not to love him. And even if I really like Tae, too, I feel like he isn’t good enough for Clay. LOL! Anyway, this latest addition to the series is filled with action of both kids, a look at Clay’s family (and what a family it is), and so many revelations, it’s hard to keep them straight. Poor Clay and Tae (and Archie, Fizz, and Victoria) are once again facing a crisis, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next one. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both Tae and Clay have emotional obstacles to overcome; but their mutual attraction, continuing from Night Tricks (Book #1) was soo evident that reading this was a necessity for me. Each male is burdened with heavy soulful baggage, past and present. This reader was submerged into their journey from Page 1 and my voyage throughout this book held my undivided attention. The ending of discovering/finding the Buttons connection was surprising, to say the least, along with the declaration of fearsome family ties. Can these revelations turn off Tae's attraction for Clay? One will just have read, Night Trails, to discover what's next in the lives of Tae and Clay. I am voluntarily leaving this review for the ARC I received.

[XxLaVampiresaAlexisxX · Rating 4 out of 5]

Night Trials is the third book in the Midnight Magic series. This is a continuation and CANNOT be read as a standalone.

Clay and Tae continue their journey into the demon realm. Clay has to come to terms with his new reality and gets more answers about where he comes from. Secrets are revealed and Clay and Tae's bond strengthen. I swear, Richard Amo's greatest strength is the world building....OMG! It's absolutely amazing, beyond words! It's incredible!Although, there was a good amount of action and shocking revelations, this one kind of was slow for me. It took a bit longer for me to read, than it did the other ones. However, I'm still loving this story and can't wait for the next one in this saga!

[Rosie Wylor-Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book continues the story of Clay Christmas and his vampire lover Tae, and wow do things amp up in this one. Clay's biggest secret is revealed, but this doesn't stop Tae from wanting to save him from some of Clay's unknown relatives. The first few books are set in an alternative London, but now Clay and Tae explore the more supernatural parts of their world.

Clay and Tae have amazing chemistry, and as Clay discovers more about his powers and the hold they have on him, he is becoming slowly more dependent on Tae to bring him back down to earth. Fantastic read, can't wait for the next one!

[Becca Sabala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow book 3 really took me on a ride.

This entire book was full of action and kind of shook up everything I thought I had figured out from books 1 and 2. There is a lot of revelations about clays family and even some of Tae's. Secrets are revealed and that brings on some trust issues. Just when you think clay is going to catch a break because let's be honest at this point the guy really deserves one. Richard throws a wrench in that and gives clay something new to overcome.

The world building in this series is so good. It's definitely one of my favorite to read. It's so each to get lost in.

[Danielle Beguiled Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is absolutely NO deflation in the story-line as the situations seem to continually build, but will Tae Frost and Clay Christmas break? Clay's secret demon blood-line is greatly displayed and forced upon our Mr. Tae Frost, the one thing he despises most; but does that discourage his growing love? Now, Clay must overcome the trials and his ever changing arcana powers with his brother, Button's. The writer actually makes the reader care for our trouble friend/brother Buttons this time. Bonus, the third instalment is filled with extra action, twists & turns which leaves the reader never wanting to put this book down! Mr. Amos has done it again.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Night Troubles is the third book in the Midnight Magic series. Night Trials must be read after Night Tricks and Night Troubles, or you’ll be lost. This was as fantastic as the first two if not better. It begins as Night Troubles ends. The world building is phenomenal, the story well thought out, plotted! Clay and Tae are in deep drama land and the suspense is heart pounding. We are sucked into the Demon world along with Clay and the Demon Queen. The ongoing story line will have you hanging on the edge of your seat as the story unfold along with all the twists and turns. Overall, a fantastic read!! Well written, fantastic pacing that kept me hooked and engaged. Highly recommend.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Night Trials is book 3 of The Midnight Magic series, it is not a standalone book. It picks up right where Night Troubles ended. Tray is stuck in the demon realm and Tae is in the human realm. They both have to work to understand their past mistakes. This book is action packed and I couldn't put it down. Richard Amos has created characters and a world that pulls you in from the start.
Any book that can make me cry is one I would recommend and this one did.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jennirella · Rating 3 out of 5]

erm…Oh, gosh

This is a good story and I really am enjoying following the plot of the series. But the story telling… not so great. The MCs are great and I’m liking seeing their journey together but it seems like there’s way too much effort being out in for them to still seem so depthless after three books. And I really am not enjoying the continuing use of erm and gosh throughout. Yep, I get it. Clay is a sunny-side up kind of person but that doesn’t have to mean he actually has to say or think “gosh” On, what seems like, every page.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picks up at the end of the last book with Clay trying to understand what's going on now that he's in the Demon Realm. Tae is struggling with all the revealations and what he wants without the guilt he carries around. The action and excitement ramp up as the story heads towards the Demon Queen and her heart of the realm. Just like Clay waffles about Buttons, so too do you as the reader. I can't wait to read what's going on next with all the key players.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tae and Clay’s relationship is tested a lot in the story. The betrayals made me want to smack people a lot. I love Tae and Clay so much. This was a fast and intense story that kept me entertained the entire time. I didn’t want the story to stop and I want so much more of these characters. We get to learn so much more about the world and our character’s secrets. I couldn’t put the book down at all. There were some seriously intense twists and turns in the story.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

***4.5 stars***
Midnight Magic series adds another great addition with book three. The amazing world building from this author is exceptional. All of the action, twists and turns, secrets, and intensity has you entertained from the start. Tate and Clay’s relationship is pushed to the edge. Poor Clay just can’t catch a break. With him learning more about his powers I can’t wait for what book four in the series has in store for us.

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clay and Tae

Richard Amos has again created a story that immerses us in the continuing saga of Clay and his attempt to understand his newly found demonic family. What he really wants is to stay home, listen to Kylie with his furball, and eat some Tae, uh, I mean, eat some of Tae’s homemade food!

Richard, I can’t tell you how exciting it is to have found ALL of your books!!!

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy Christmas. This was amazing. This is the continuing story with Clay and Tae. Clay ended up in the demon world and learns more of his background. This is a great action filled book that packs a punch and leaves you wanting more. I cannot wait to read the next book.

I received a copy of this book for my review.