Reviews with content warning for Emotional abuse - The Midnight Lie

I really loved this book, and I mean adored it, up until the end. I loved that it was gay, fantastical, and shrouded in mystery. The end, however, was a real let down for me.

How could it ever be okay for her to lose her heart? That part really bothered me, and not because it was sad, because I like sad endings when they fit with the story. But it was just too drastic, too terrible. For me, the story that would unfold after this one was just too awful to imagine. I thought there would be some message, about how it’s hard to feel, but it’s the human condition, it’s part of what makes us who we are. It’s terrible but beautiful. But instead, Nirrim lost her heart?! What kind of message is that sending?? I’m sure we’ve all had moments when we thought it would be easier to not feel anything, but the conclusion to that thought should always be that yes, it’s better to feel.

This book entranced me till the very end, perhaps someone with a different view on what it means to be human would appreciate it more.

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callmrsmuise's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book made me swoon I stg. Don’t let any dystopian fiction or fantasy trope you come across deter you. I died of pure gay wlw overload. The characters motivations were believable, and the chemistry between the two main characters was well written. I also want to note that I loved the side characters as well. I think they were placed very expertly within the story and served the overall narrative with entertaining purpose. Meanwhile, the plot was interesting and exciting, and I was a big fan of the worldbuilding. I absolutely can't wait to read the second book when it comes out!

Audiobook review: The audiobook is well read and well produced. At first I didn’t like the voice for the main character but I realized that it totally suits her!

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gildedwolves's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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invaderday's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

WOW that was so good. slow to start (as fantasy often is for me because of exposition reasons and getting your footing in a new world and story) but once it gets going it really doesn't let up!! the angst to romance ratio was like in perfect balance honestly it was beautiful and tense and gripping and i need this sequel as asap as possible

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starshynebrite's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced

Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I would recommend this to anyone who wants a bit of a more manipulative and mysterious book. If you like a bit of an unreliable narrator, mystery and intrigue with magic and a bit of a love story, this might be a book you would like! I would say this is a bit heavier and darker because of the nature of the politics and manipulation in the book so if you’re into a bit of a darker story this will be for you!

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