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4.01 AVERAGE
4.01 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
#MacMillanAudioMonday with 𝑻𝑯𝑰𝑬𝑭 𝑶𝑭 𝑵𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑻 𝒃𝒚 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌, coming September 23rd from @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2025 for @torbooks.
I have a weird thing about fonts, and when 𝑩𝑶𝑶𝑲 𝑶𝑭 𝑵𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑻 came out, I was instantly grabbed. (I could be wrong, but it looks like Cinzel Decoractive for those who are wondering.)
It has been a minute since I read the first of this duology, but I was quickly reminded of con-artist Charlie and her sexy shadow who wasn't her original shadow. The world of shadow magic and power was quickly refreshed and added to in a way that felt better than the first.
I have read a couple authors who write YA crossover into adult (but not THAT adult!) & it feels a bit like a journey. I remember feeling like BON was good, but didn't quite make my jaw drop. The sequel was better and I feel confident in recommending this pair to fans of fantasy. It is a really good intro into the genre if you are relatively new as well, with easy to engage characters, strings, and magical rules.
The audio really shined with Jonathan Davis, Sara Aminii, and Vikas Adam as superb narrators. This cast brought this story alive and carried it for me. I really loved being able to listen to all the tensions played out.
I have a weird thing about fonts, and when 𝑩𝑶𝑶𝑲 𝑶𝑭 𝑵𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑻 came out, I was instantly grabbed. (I could be wrong, but it looks like Cinzel Decoractive for those who are wondering.)
It has been a minute since I read the first of this duology, but I was quickly reminded of con-artist Charlie and her sexy shadow who wasn't her original shadow. The world of shadow magic and power was quickly refreshed and added to in a way that felt better than the first.
I have read a couple authors who write YA crossover into adult (but not THAT adult!) & it feels a bit like a journey. I remember feeling like BON was good, but didn't quite make my jaw drop. The sequel was better and I feel confident in recommending this pair to fans of fantasy. It is a really good intro into the genre if you are relatively new as well, with easy to engage characters, strings, and magical rules.
The audio really shined with Jonathan Davis, Sara Aminii, and Vikas Adam as superb narrators. This cast brought this story alive and carried it for me. I really loved being able to listen to all the tensions played out.
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I can’t believe this saga of living shadows has ended, and yet… what an ending. Brutal, breathtaking, and satisfying in that way that still leaves you wishing for more.
This sequel outpaced the first in every way. The storytelling was sharper, more relentless, and packed with action that kept the tension coiled tight. The mystery of the blights (the wayward,hungry shadows with minds of their own) pulled me in deeper than I expected, and I swear I was holding my breath half the time.
Our FMC, the con artist turned reluctant shadow-hunter, stole my heart again. Watching her strike her uneasy bargain and navigate this web of danger and desire felt deliciously addictive. And then there’s Vince/Red, my heart absolutely cracked for him. He started off forgettable back in book one an started to become interesting, but in this installment? He was resurrected into someone new, unforgettable, layered, and magnetic.
And yes, let’s talk about that one semi-steamy scene. It may have been brief, but shadow-magic smut is a rare delicacy and I ate it up with zero regrets. 😌
This book is made for spooky season: moody, dangerous, laced with longing, and shadow-soaked. The conclusion tied things beautifully, but part of me is still hoping for the author to reconsider and give us a book three. Your girl is just not ready yet 😮💨
This sequel outpaced the first in every way. The storytelling was sharper, more relentless, and packed with action that kept the tension coiled tight. The mystery of the blights (the wayward,hungry shadows with minds of their own) pulled me in deeper than I expected, and I swear I was holding my breath half the time.
Our FMC, the con artist turned reluctant shadow-hunter, stole my heart again. Watching her strike her uneasy bargain and navigate this web of danger and desire felt deliciously addictive. And then there’s Vince/Red, my heart absolutely cracked for him. He started off forgettable back in book one an started to become interesting, but in this installment? He was resurrected into someone new, unforgettable, layered, and magnetic.
And yes, let’s talk about that one semi-steamy scene. It may have been brief, but shadow-magic smut is a rare delicacy and I ate it up with zero regrets. 😌
This book is made for spooky season: moody, dangerous, laced with longing, and shadow-soaked. The conclusion tied things beautifully, but part of me is still hoping for the author to reconsider and give us a book three. Your girl is just not ready yet 😮💨
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
5⭐️ Review – Thief of Night by Holly Black
Charlie Hall is chaos and I love her for it. She’s messy, impulsive, morally gray, and somehow still manages to be the smartest person in the room. Her flaws don’t make her weak—they make her real, and watching her navigate this shadow-soaked world with sharp wit and zero chill was everything.
The shadow magic system? So cool. Holly Black took something that could’ve been just another dark fantasy trope and made it feel fresh and weirdly intimate. Shadows with memories, personalities, and secrets? Yes please.
The plot had me hooked, the vibes were moody and gothic, and the twists kept coming. I’m officially obsessed and really hoping there’s a third book because I need more Charlie, more Red, and more of this wild, shadowy universe.
Charlie Hall is chaos and I love her for it. She’s messy, impulsive, morally gray, and somehow still manages to be the smartest person in the room. Her flaws don’t make her weak—they make her real, and watching her navigate this shadow-soaked world with sharp wit and zero chill was everything.
The shadow magic system? So cool. Holly Black took something that could’ve been just another dark fantasy trope and made it feel fresh and weirdly intimate. Shadows with memories, personalities, and secrets? Yes please.
The plot had me hooked, the vibes were moody and gothic, and the twists kept coming. I’m officially obsessed and really hoping there’s a third book because I need more Charlie, more Red, and more of this wild, shadowy universe.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Self harm
emotional
fast-paced
Thief of Night is the 2nd book of the Charlatan Duology, following the story of Charlie Hall's misfortunate and thieving ways. Charlie Hall now needs to face the fallout and ending of the first book. Making deals with powerful magicians, and having annoying shadow that has now transformed into its own being.
It was difficult for me to get into Thief of Night since it had been 3 years that Book of Night had been originally published. I also find it funny how Book of Night has a lower rating than Thief of Night currently has based on advanced copies. If I had more time, I would have gone back and re-read Book of Night to remember all the important bits and characters. However, Thief of Night was just as enjoyable as ever, and could have been a story onto its own. I did enjoy the development of the two main characters, and how they come into their own. I was thrown off a little bit of the shadowy kinky part... Threw me for a loop there. And I really enjoyed the narrators. Audiobooks really help paint a picture of all the characters differently than how your own brain may imagine them.
I would definitely recommend this series and to read them back to back, versus three years in between.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
It was difficult for me to get into Thief of Night since it had been 3 years that Book of Night had been originally published. I also find it funny how Book of Night has a lower rating than Thief of Night currently has based on advanced copies. If I had more time, I would have gone back and re-read Book of Night to remember all the important bits and characters. However, Thief of Night was just as enjoyable as ever, and could have been a story onto its own. I did enjoy the development of the two main characters, and how they come into their own. I was thrown off a little bit of the shadowy kinky part... Threw me for a loop there. And I really enjoyed the narrators. Audiobooks really help paint a picture of all the characters differently than how your own brain may imagine them.
I would definitely recommend this series and to read them back to back, versus three years in between.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I loved the premise of this book, magic derived from shadows and learning how to bring a magical piece of ourselves, that’s always been there, to life! Great characters and gritty vibes help bring this one to life!
I’m a huge fan of Holly Black’s work, and I absolutely loved Book of Night, and I was so excited to read Thief of Night. It lived up to all of my expectations, and even surpassed them! It’s a modern, urban fantasy filled with gutter-level city grit, mysterious shadow magic, an undercurrent of the occult, a ruthless criminal underworld powered by shadows, rampant shadow-stealing, and the most underdog, morally-bent heroine imaginable.
Charlie Hall is a thief, con artist, and a liar. She’ll betray anyone for any reason, and is loyal only to herself. She’s such a compelling protagonist, and she more than meets her match in Red, the vicious and bloodthirsty shadow of the man she loved. I couldn’t get enough of their dynamic!
The audiobook was a multicast narration performed by Sara Amini, Vikas Adam, Jonathan Davis, and was phenomenal. They did such a brilliant job voicing Charlie, Red, and all of the supporting characters, and their portrayal of the story had me absolutely unable to focus on anything else. This one is a must listen!
If you’re looking for a darkly elegant, morally tangled urban fantasy where every heartbeat feels like a wager and redemption is a shadow you have to steal back from yourself, please read this! It’s one of my very favorite duologies.
Thank you to Tor, Macmillan, Macmillan audio, Holly Black, and NetGalley for the ARC and ALC.
📔Thief of Night
✏️ Holly Black
📆 Sept 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
READ IF YOU LIKE:
👤deadly shadow magic
🩸gritty urban fantasy
👤occult elements
🩸ruthless criminal underworld
👤morally grey characters
🩸con artist & thief
👤forced proximity
🩸lovers to enemies to lovers
👤dual POV
*Connect With Me*
https://instagram.com/shanisshelves?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
https://www.tiktok.com/@shanisshelves
Charlie Hall is a thief, con artist, and a liar. She’ll betray anyone for any reason, and is loyal only to herself. She’s such a compelling protagonist, and she more than meets her match in Red, the vicious and bloodthirsty shadow of the man she loved. I couldn’t get enough of their dynamic!
The audiobook was a multicast narration performed by Sara Amini, Vikas Adam, Jonathan Davis, and was phenomenal. They did such a brilliant job voicing Charlie, Red, and all of the supporting characters, and their portrayal of the story had me absolutely unable to focus on anything else. This one is a must listen!
If you’re looking for a darkly elegant, morally tangled urban fantasy where every heartbeat feels like a wager and redemption is a shadow you have to steal back from yourself, please read this! It’s one of my very favorite duologies.
Thank you to Tor, Macmillan, Macmillan audio, Holly Black, and NetGalley for the ARC and ALC.
📔Thief of Night
✏️ Holly Black
📆 Sept 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
READ IF YOU LIKE:
👤deadly shadow magic
🩸gritty urban fantasy
👤occult elements
🩸ruthless criminal underworld
👤morally grey characters
🩸con artist & thief
👤forced proximity
🩸lovers to enemies to lovers
👤dual POV
*Connect With Me*
https://instagram.com/shanisshelves?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
https://www.tiktok.com/@shanisshelves
To said this is my most anticipated read of the year is an understatement to be honest.
The audio phenomenal once again. Like the narrators did an amazing job . As good as the first book. I could feel all the emotions the characters were feeling. You always knew who was who right away. Marvelous.
Now to the book, let’s just said perfection, Holly black writing like always is magnificent.
The book start right back with our main characters Charlie and Red. And wow like this was heartbreaking after that ending on book one. But I do like that this books centers a lot in Red and his feelings and wants. That is not all Charlie and her destructive manners. I like how each side character also finds a resolution and you get more action from them. The turns and twists will have you on edge most of the times. Definitely not a slow book there is something happening all the time.
And the ending is so fitting. Very satisfying
The audio phenomenal once again. Like the narrators did an amazing job . As good as the first book. I could feel all the emotions the characters were feeling. You always knew who was who right away. Marvelous.
Now to the book, let’s just said perfection, Holly black writing like always is magnificent.
The book start right back with our main characters Charlie and Red. And wow like this was heartbreaking after that ending on book one. But I do like that this books centers a lot in Red and his feelings and wants. That is not all Charlie and her destructive manners. I like how each side character also finds a resolution and you get more action from them. The turns and twists will have you on edge most of the times. Definitely not a slow book there is something happening all the time.
And the ending is so fitting. Very satisfying
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I surprisingly liked this a lot more than I liked Book of Night.
It had the dark, supernatural elements mixed in with the perfect mystery to make this a great fall read
It had the dark, supernatural elements mixed in with the perfect mystery to make this a great fall read
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
As a long time Holly Black fan who really enjoyed Book of Night, I have long been looking forward to the follow up. As the finale of The Charlatan duology, Thief of Night picks up where the first installment left off, with Charlie & Red navigating their new dynamic.
I was really excited to dive back in with these characters but, somehow, this story didn’t have the same impact for me as the first book. The pacing dragged a bit for me, so I had trouble feeling as invested in the characters and their journeys. I also felt this volume was missing a lot of the exploration of the magic system & worldbuilding of the first. It felt much more like a standard mystery/thriller with aspects of magic added in - rather than the full-on urban fantasy feel I loved about Book of Night.
That said, I was still interested in how the story would wrap up and I wanted to follow through to the end. While, for me, it didn’t quite live up to the magic of its beginning, fans can expect a satisfying ending to Charlie & Red’s story.
The audio production is great quality, with expressive narrators who accurately capture the characters. I read book one on the page and I feel the narrators really brought the original characters to life as I imagined them. 5 stars for the narration!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes