Bring Me Your Midnight

What a beautiful piece of work. The inclusion of witch lore that you've heard before but with a little bit of a twist. The first half of the book felt a bit slower for me as it was slow and there was a lot of setting up the world and and the history of a coven that lives in fear of the mortal “mainlanders.” The second half of the book sucked me in.

It's just another paint-by-numbers paranormal YA.

Tana is a blad protagonist. She's supposedly 19 but sounds 15. She suffers from a bad case of insta-love with the ever-brooding and boring Wolfe. The forbidden romance was supposed to be the pull of this novel but I didn't care enough about these two to be concerned with whether they end up together or not. He basically tells her he hates her and everything she stands for but he also has ‘feelings' for her and her reaction is ‘this is true love'.

The theme of forbidden magic, another pivotal element, didn't receive the detailed treatment I had hoped for. Instead, it was presented as a somewhat vague concept that required unquestioning acceptance.

In sum, my reading experience can best be described as “meh.” While the book had the potential to captivate, it left me feeling indifferent.

Witchy fantasy about coming into your powers, questioning what you've been told your whole life, and being true to one's self. I thought this was a well written story with a good premise and good characters. Kind of frustrated with the FMC's decisions at times but not mad about it because it felt intentional to the character's growth.

Are you looking for a book that will be full on cozy cottage-core magic vibes? Well, this is your book. Rachel Griffin never disappoints.

Sometimes it's hard to explain what you liked about a book and what are the things you didn't enjoy as much. For me, Bring Me Your Midnight was a love letter to the sea, foraging and crafts. Nature, in general, but more specifically how to be gentle with it while also taking what we need from it.

Rachel's writing on this book was so evocative of stepping barefoot onto a grassy field at dusk. That's the only way i'd be able to describe this book. And the romance felt like spending a cold winter day at the beach and then going home to a blanket and a hot beverage.

I loved every single part of the way this book was written, from the wording to the referencing to past events as little clues being left behind. But when words weren't enough that's when i realised "not everything that shines is gold".

Even though the chemistry between Wolfe and Tana felt instant, it also felt rushed, as if with just one look both of them already knew they'd be it for each-other. Unfortunately, insta-love is not my trope. And another moment where everything felt so rushed, was in the "third-act breakup" if i am allowed of calling it that. It happened so fast I had to reread twice to understand what was going on (because sometimes as a Spaniard, English can be difficult, okay?).

Overall this was a beautiful book and the nostalgia it gave me and the feels and vibes of it all, it was definitely worth it. So if you need a book to feel those cozy witchy vibes? Rachel's books are what you're looking for.

4.5

The setting immediately drew me in - it's set on a seaside town and I think it really brought out the magic of the story.

I enjoyed following Tana as she learned about consequences of her decisions. She has a strong friendship with her best friend, and they always have each other's backs. The romance was a little rushed, but I thought they had a great connection, and Tana's character growth was so strong because of the impact Wolfe had on her.

This is light & magical and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thanks for NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for an arc in exchange for my review!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

4.5 stars.

Loved this and read it in one sitting. The atmosphere and the world building were a delight. I enjoyed the characters, their relationships, and how Tana progressed throughout the book.

Pretty Cover and Pretty Words

Let's start with the obvious: the cover. It's stunning. It drew me in like a magnet. Even if this book were titled “The Life of a Bug,” I would have picked it up just to have that cover on my shelf. But beyond the mesmerizing artwork, the content of “Bring Me Your Midnight” is equally captivating.

Set in the enchanting world of the Witchery, a witch coven nestled on an island, the book immerses readers in a landscape that's both magical and reminiscent of a bygone era. While labeled as urban fantasy on Goodreads, the setting feels more akin to the 1940s, with its electricity and vintage automobiles, yet devoid of modern technology like cell phones. The world-building is rich and evocative, offering glimpses of both the mainland and different parts of the island, each adding layers of depth to the narrative.

The magic system is intricate and engrossing, with a history that adds depth to the story. From the captivating setting emerges our protagonist, Tana, whose journey unfolds amidst evolving relationships with a well-crafted ensemble of characters. Whether it's her dynamic with love interest Wolfe or her evolving friendship with Ivy, Tana's interactions reveal layers of complexity and growth.

Griffin's writing is as enchanting as the world she creates, with pacing that keeps the story moving steadily forward. While the plot takes a bit to gain momentum, once it does, it carries readers along a captivating journey. However, there were moments where I found myself losing focus, as some conflicts felt too easily resolved, lacking the tension and depth I craved.

Romance plays a significant role in the narrative, perhaps a touch more than necessary. Yet, the relationship between Tana and Wolfe is beautifully developed, offering moments of self-discovery and personal growth for both characters. While I wished for a bit more angst and nail-biting tension, the journey of healing and growth between the two was deeply satisfying.

In conclusion, “Bring Me Your Midnight” is a mesmerizing standalone fantasy that balances rich world-building with compelling character dynamics. While it may occasionally meander, its captivating prose and poignant romance make it a worthwhile read. Rachel Griffin's talent shines brightly, leaving readers eager for more from her imaginative pen.