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orchidd's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
i had trouble with the beginning of the book because i am tired of reading narratives where the butch girl makes someone realize they like women, and i am also tired of reading narratives where the person is struggling with internalized homophobia as a plot point to pace the romance. i did really enjoy the middle with the descriptions of the magic and the parties and their blooming relationship, but the ending felt abrupt and incomplete.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Child abuse, and Murder
Moderate: Alcohol and Drug use
malhale's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Torture and Physical abuse
angstifies's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
- 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
5.0
just everything about the setting was perfect, i can’t get over how much i loved the magical elements in this world. i think i’ve never been as invested in a fictional relationship as i was in this book, oh i LOVED IT.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Child abuse, and Blood
Moderate: Death, Alcohol, Drug use, Homophobia, and Murder
Minor: Child death, Death of parent, Sexual content, and Abandonment
k_aro's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I really didn't expect much from The Midnight Lie—be as it may, I'm a little bit of a snob over fantasy novels due to the fact that I read a large quantity as a kid, and I saw it recommended from BookTok, which, based on my previous BookTok books has been... a mixed bag. Admittedly I wasn't shocked by many of the reveals, but I don't think that's a critique of the book; I think it's smart about revealing just enough that it makes sense on re-reads.
That said, I did not expect the ending! It's not like, a cheap plot twist, but it's such a painful refusal of closure that it hurts me just thinking about it. I didn't cry over the ending, but sheesh, I'm really looking forward to reading the next book. I also think it's a super well-written villain ending—I've read some books *coughs* The Young Elites *coughs* that REALLY muck up the villain ending and essentially spoil the experience of having read the book at all.
I do have some things I don't love about this book: for one, that Nirrim is so blind to Raven's consistent emotional/domestic abuse, despite her ability to spot it in other people (i.e. Aden). Like, I get that Nirrim and Raven's relationship is different to that of her and Aden's, but it just feels kind of weird that up until the proper reveal of who Raven is, Nirrim's insistent on thinking of her as the same one-dimensional mother figure who sometimes makes mistakes and hurts her. I'm not saying Nirrim has to be on board to condemn Raven the first time she does something bad, but it's just... weird, I guess.
I also think that the first like... fourth? Of the book is a little slow. It's got a lot to set up, so I'm not, like, mad that it's slow, but it does make it a bit hard to get into.
Also, there's certainly NO commentary going on about how the Half Kith's body parts are literally being used for the pleasure of the High Kith. Nope. No commentary at all. Not even about how Raven extorts families to get them families to move up in the world. Nada. Zip. Nothing. (This is sarcasm—sometimes, fantasy caste systems can be a bit... overstated, which to a certain degree could be true here, it also I think treats it with a bit more real parallels that it feels more verisimilitudinous to me.)
I do have some things I don't love about this book: for one, that Nirrim is so blind to Raven's consistent emotional/domestic abuse, despite her ability to spot it in other people (i.e. Aden). Like, I get that Nirrim and Raven's relationship is different to that of her and Aden's, but it just feels kind of weird that up until the proper reveal of who Raven is, Nirrim's insistent on thinking of her as the same one-dimensional mother figure who sometimes makes mistakes and hurts her. I'm not saying Nirrim has to be on board to condemn Raven the first time she does something bad, but it's just... weird, I guess.
I also think that the first like... fourth? Of the book is a little slow. It's got a lot to set up, so I'm not, like, mad that it's slow, but it does make it a bit hard to get into.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Police brutality, Toxic relationship, Trafficking, Confinement, Abandonment, Blood, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Sexual harassment, Violence, Classism, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Drug use, Murder, and Rape
Minor: Death of parent, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Misogyny, and Child death
A note on the moderate content warning for rape:erynpaige's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Racism, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Drug use, Drug abuse, Xenophobia, War, Police brutality, Murder, Misogyny, Miscarriage, Lesbophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Homophobia, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Death, Confinement, and Child death
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
emilywasbored's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Blood, Homophobia, and Child abuse
Moderate: Physical abuse and Murder
Minor: Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Child death
fictionalportal's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Abandonment, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Gaslighting, and Drug use
Moderate: Schizophrenia/Psychosis and Murder
Minor: Homophobia, Rape, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
thewrongalice's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Child abuse
plumpaperbacks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? No
4.5
As soon as I found out this book was sapphic, it went on my TBR. As soon as I started reading it, I was intrigued. Every time I put it down, I wanted to pick it up again. Rutkoski has improved significantly since writing the Winner’s Curse trilogy, in my opinion.
I loved Nirrim and Sid right away. The latter gave me Nikolai vibes, as both characters have an effortlessly confident and flirtatious façade they only let those they trust and love see past. Though I’m not nearly as in love with the Grishaverse as I was a few years ago, I still love Nikolai, and I love Sid even more.
The girls’ interactions had me smiling as soon as they met, and I loved seeing their relationship develop. I felt their affection deep in my soul, and I was so happy every time they had a moment that brought them closer. The yearning, the tenderness…. be still my gay heart!!! Every single time I read a book featuring a sapphic couple, I get immensely happy, and by the time I finish the book I’ve got a massive crush on at least one of the girls. This time, it’s Sid. Holy wow. Girl thoughts. Head lesbian. 😍
I felt so bad for Nirrim, and how the two people she was closest to were so abusive and manipulative. Seeing her come out of her shell, learn about the world, and become her own person was so satisfying. I want to give her the biggest hug, honestly.
The world Rutkoski created was unique and well-written. Readers are purposefully left in the dark for most of the book, slowly learning more alongside Nirrim, getting answers that also bring more questions. Despite this, I wasn’t confused or frustrated by what I didn’t know; I was intrigued by the possibilities and curious to see how she would tie everything together. In the end, there were multiple things revealed that I in no way saw coming. While not the most mind-blowing twists I’ve come across, they were still surprising, and set the stage nicely for the sequel.
Speaking of the sequel, I’m anticipating pain. Between the current state of Nirrim and Sid’s relationship and the events of the epilogue, I’m concerned. Very concerned. Also, the second book’s title makes sense now, and although I’m looking forward to said book, I just have a bad feeling. Like, I’m excited, but there’s a feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach, because I’m desperately hoping for good things but expecting bad things.
I wouldn’t call this a new favorite, but it’s certainly a story I thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend. Fingers crossed I can read the next book sooner rather than later!!
Representation
I loved Nirrim and Sid right away. The latter gave me Nikolai vibes, as both characters have an effortlessly confident and flirtatious façade they only let those they trust and love see past. Though I’m not nearly as in love with the Grishaverse as I was a few years ago, I still love Nikolai, and I love Sid even more.
The girls’ interactions had me smiling as soon as they met, and I loved seeing their relationship develop. I felt their affection deep in my soul, and I was so happy every time they had a moment that brought them closer. The yearning, the tenderness…. be still my gay heart!!! Every single time I read a book featuring a sapphic couple, I get immensely happy, and by the time I finish the book I’ve got a massive crush on at least one of the girls. This time, it’s Sid. Holy wow. Girl thoughts. Head lesbian. 😍
I felt so bad for Nirrim, and how the two people she was closest to were so abusive and manipulative. Seeing her come out of her shell, learn about the world, and become her own person was so satisfying. I want to give her the biggest hug, honestly.
The world Rutkoski created was unique and well-written. Readers are purposefully left in the dark for most of the book, slowly learning more alongside Nirrim, getting answers that also bring more questions. Despite this, I wasn’t confused or frustrated by what I didn’t know; I was intrigued by the possibilities and curious to see how she would tie everything together. In the end, there were multiple things revealed that I in no way saw coming. While not the most mind-blowing twists I’ve come across, they were still surprising, and set the stage nicely for the sequel.
Speaking of the sequel, I’m anticipating pain. Between the current state of Nirrim and Sid’s relationship and the events of the epilogue, I’m concerned. Very concerned. Also, the second book’s title makes sense now, and although I’m looking forward to said book, I just have a bad feeling. Like, I’m excited, but there’s a feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach, because I’m desperately hoping for good things but expecting bad things.
I wouldn’t call this a new favorite, but it’s certainly a story I thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend. Fingers crossed I can read the next book sooner rather than later!!
Representation
- sapphic protagonist of color
- biracial lesbian love interest
- sapphic romance (f/f)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Homophobia
Moderate: Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
Minor: Terminal illness, Child abuse, and Child death
Those tagged minor are mentioned throughout the story but occurred prior to it.samthebibookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
4.0
Why to read- Fantasy, dystopian with magic, sapphic main couple, gods,
Trigger warning- homophobia,violence, toxic relationships, murder, physical and mental abuse, casteism
Nirrim is a half-kith, one of the lowest groups of people in the island of Ethin. They are kept separated by the upper caste in the Ward within the walls. The walls which are painted white with limestone. But why?
If you ask this question to the people of Ethin, they will simply say “it is as it is”. Who implemented the laws for the caste system? Who appointed the lord Protector? Who said that half-kith can't have particular things and more importantly….why are there no history books??
The answer, “it is as it is”
Nirrim is the perfect obedient person you can wish for. She’ll never say no and will do anything her mother figure Raven asks her to do. But sadly she doesn't even know when people are taking advantage of her. But she can see, see things which are forgotten and now are just mere memories.
But when she is captured for a crime she didn't even committed she meets Sid (or should i say, my darling princess who is gonna steal me, uhmm no back to review) Nirrim gets the idea of curiosity, a want but believe me questioning things in Ething is not the best idea.
Sid is the character I wanted to read so badly and Marie Rutkoski completed my wish, She is a mysterious traveller, likes suits and rocks them, has short blonde hair and uses heavy humor as a coping mechanism (not the best thing, but girl screams simp for me, and i do)
This book , please read it seriously. You may find yourself saying to Nirrim that please don't let people take advantage of you but her character development is so awesome, and she teaches you a very good thing
“But nothing is as it is. Everything comes from something. There is nothing and no one without a past.”
To question, in a real life perspective we live in a society where all the laws are laid out, people go through their routines without even thinking how this came to be? What is the reason? Why do we do what we do? Who made us do it?
I love you Nirrim just give me Sid pls-
But now that Nirrim becomes curious and finally knows the truth , she will take back what was taken away . Now that the truth is out, people are gonna pay for it.
Trigger warning- homophobia,violence, toxic relationships, murder, physical and mental abuse, casteism
Nirrim is a half-kith, one of the lowest groups of people in the island of Ethin. They are kept separated by the upper caste in the Ward within the walls. The walls which are painted white with limestone. But why?
If you ask this question to the people of Ethin, they will simply say “it is as it is”. Who implemented the laws for the caste system? Who appointed the lord Protector? Who said that half-kith can't have particular things and more importantly….why are there no history books??
The answer, “it is as it is”
Nirrim is the perfect obedient person you can wish for. She’ll never say no and will do anything her mother figure Raven asks her to do. But sadly she doesn't even know when people are taking advantage of her. But she can see, see things which are forgotten and now are just mere memories.
But when she is captured for a crime she didn't even committed she meets Sid (or should i say, my darling princess who is gonna steal me, uhmm no back to review) Nirrim gets the idea of curiosity, a want but believe me questioning things in Ething is not the best idea.
Sid is the character I wanted to read so badly and Marie Rutkoski completed my wish, She is a mysterious traveller, likes suits and rocks them, has short blonde hair and uses heavy humor as a coping mechanism (not the best thing, but girl screams simp for me, and i do)
This book , please read it seriously. You may find yourself saying to Nirrim that please don't let people take advantage of you but her character development is so awesome, and she teaches you a very good thing
“But nothing is as it is. Everything comes from something. There is nothing and no one without a past.”
To question, in a real life perspective we live in a society where all the laws are laid out, people go through their routines without even thinking how this came to be? What is the reason? Why do we do what we do? Who made us do it?
I love you Nirrim just give me Sid pls-
But now that Nirrim becomes curious and finally knows the truth , she will take back what was taken away . Now that the truth is out, people are gonna pay for it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Toxic relationship, and Death
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia