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ladyhighwayman's review against another edition
4.0
The ending was quite the emotion roller coaster that I wasn't expecting. This was such a unique book, and I really didn't have any expectations when I started it. There were a few times in the book that I thought it might be losing momentum, but it then quickly picked back up.
And I love stories where the villain is redeemed, which is probably why the ending was so emotional for me. I love when a villain has a complex background that made them they way they are, but then find redemption in the end. I didn't think it would happen for Suspiria, but it did. LOVE IT.
Spoiler
And I love stories where the villain is redeemed, which is probably why the ending was so emotional for me. I love when a villain has a complex background that made them they way they are, but then find redemption in the end. I didn't think it would happen for Suspiria, but it did. LOVE IT.
abookishone's review against another edition
3.0
This was an interesting book, and I really love that it was inspired by a Changeling game. The intrigue and plot is as thick and stiff-necked as the ruffs so popular in Queen Elizabeth and Queen Invidiana's time.
If you are interested in high court politisse, read this tale!
If you are interested in high court politisse, read this tale!
ofliterarynature's review
4.0
An incredibly slow start - it wasn’t until halfway through when the secrets started coming out that things really gained any interest. But like, new world, new mythology, it can take a while to build it up! I’m very interested in seeing where the series goes since they did defeat the big bad by the end (and also because it seems we’ll have lost our second protagonist by the time the next book begins, so I am making *extremely* sad faces at my phone right now)
lizbusby's review against another edition
3.0
Not as enjoyable for me as the Memoirs of Lady Trent. An alternate history novel with faeries sounds like it's in my wheelhouse, but it turns out in this case to be all politics, very little action. This book was fine, but I can't find a reason to continue the series.
thedreadcat's review against another edition
2.0
Interesting concept, but veeeery slow read. Never warmed up to any of the characters.
gavreads's review against another edition
It’s probably wrong to compare the film Stardust to Midnight Never Come but it might be a good shorthand to the mix of magic and reality that’s combined with a love story which at the heart of this tale. And I have feeling that if you liked Stardust you’ll like this book.
But that’s where the similarities end. Marie Brennan has her own tale to tell. Deep beneath the ruling Virgin Queen Elizabeth’s London is another Court, a faery Court ruled a second Queen Invidiana. The story centres on two courtiers.
Lady Lune, a faerie sent to monitor and manipulate the spymaster Walsingham, crosses paths with Michael Deven, a mortal gentlemen and an agent of Walsingham. Their paths keep crossing until they have no choice but to reveal themselves and work together.
I loved this story and I loved Marie’s writing. She weaves her tale so well that if I didn’t know better I’d say that it actually happened the way she’s described. It is quite a gentle and quiet tale. There are no big external battles expect one. Most of the struggles go on within the relationships and loyalties within the characters.
Marie makes several parallels and explores them without hitting us over the head with the connections as they are revealed as the story progresses. And even though you know that a deal is done in the first few pages it’s nature and core isn’t as simple as it first appears.
Saying all that I do think you have to be a romantic at heart to really appreciate Midnight Never Come. And like Stardust I loved it for being touching without being sentimental or sugary sweet.
Highly Recommended.
But that’s where the similarities end. Marie Brennan has her own tale to tell. Deep beneath the ruling Virgin Queen Elizabeth’s London is another Court, a faery Court ruled a second Queen Invidiana. The story centres on two courtiers.
Lady Lune, a faerie sent to monitor and manipulate the spymaster Walsingham, crosses paths with Michael Deven, a mortal gentlemen and an agent of Walsingham. Their paths keep crossing until they have no choice but to reveal themselves and work together.
I loved this story and I loved Marie’s writing. She weaves her tale so well that if I didn’t know better I’d say that it actually happened the way she’s described. It is quite a gentle and quiet tale. There are no big external battles expect one. Most of the struggles go on within the relationships and loyalties within the characters.
Marie makes several parallels and explores them without hitting us over the head with the connections as they are revealed as the story progresses. And even though you know that a deal is done in the first few pages it’s nature and core isn’t as simple as it first appears.
Saying all that I do think you have to be a romantic at heart to really appreciate Midnight Never Come. And like Stardust I loved it for being touching without being sentimental or sugary sweet.
Highly Recommended.
rachelini's review against another edition
3.0
Fairies meet Queen Elizabeth's England. I liked this well enough, but nothing really stuck with me. I doubt that I'll read the next in the series.
bamjam's review against another edition
4.0
"Once we love, we cannot revoke it,' she said. 'We can only glory in what it brings -- pain as well as joy, grief as well as hope." - Lune; Midnight Never Come, M. Brennan
After reading this book, I found myself so surprised to have ever found it in the bargain bin. Excellent storyline, good characterization, and very little plot points that caused confusion. I was very much attracted to, and at first wary of, a mix between history and fantasy. This doesn't always end up working out well in a novel. But I really felt that Brennan did a remarkable job in balancing the two genres, and interlocking the lives of the human court and the fay court, all the while sprinkling a bit of religious mythology. The characters were easy to grasp, though they had their own interesting faults, the romance wasn't shoved down your throat; you slid into it relatively with ease, and the villain was captivating. A great read! I am so glad I found it!
You can find my review for this book, and others, on my blog: Sweaters and Raindrops
After reading this book, I found myself so surprised to have ever found it in the bargain bin. Excellent storyline, good characterization, and very little plot points that caused confusion. I was very much attracted to, and at first wary of, a mix between history and fantasy. This doesn't always end up working out well in a novel. But I really felt that Brennan did a remarkable job in balancing the two genres, and interlocking the lives of the human court and the fay court, all the while sprinkling a bit of religious mythology. The characters were easy to grasp, though they had their own interesting faults, the romance wasn't shoved down your throat; you slid into it relatively with ease, and the villain was captivating. A great read! I am so glad I found it!
You can find my review for this book, and others, on my blog: Sweaters and Raindrops
piperkitty's review against another edition
5.0
This is an elegantly written historical fantasy about two queens and two courts, the mortal one of Elizabeth I, and the fae, known as the Onyx Court, of Invidiana. The two courts are linked both by physical proximity---the Onyx Court is beneath the city of London. Brennan has done a remarkable job researching and conceptualizing her England, where human and faerie courts mirror each otherbut thorough research is at once a strength and a weakness as Midnight Never Come becomes somewhat tied up by history. Infrequent flashbacks, many of which recount real events, seem like welcome historical backgroundbut most of them are unnecessary deviations that carry the reader away from the book's plot and towards a greater historical arc. A brillant read.
aurora69006's review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5