Scan barcode
kathydavie's review against another edition
3.0
First in the Indigo Court urban fantasy series revolving around Cicely Waters, a young woman with power.
My Take
I know that Galenorn is the same author of the Otherworld series, and this series is also one of fantasy, fae, vampires, and shifters. But it's different. It doesn't feel the same. It doesn't read the same. There's a darker cast to this series with a lot fewer warm, familial characters.
On the whole I do like the concept of this new series, but I have doubts about Cicely and how Galenorn writes this character. She's been around vampires her whole life, and yet she makes this stupid deal with them. I know she didn't have much time or choice, but she should have known enough to examine it very carefully. So, in many respects, I don't have much sympathy for her.
But I also question their interpretation of the contract. We only know of two stipulations on the contract. But as soon as Cicely signs it, all of a sudden the vampires go wild with all sorts of new rules that Cicely doesn't protest. WTF??? What is with the deals the various vampires make in this story??
Cicely is twenty-six years old with almost twenty years of surviving on the streets. So why does she act so stupidly at the Barrow? So stupidly in allowing Grieve to bite her? Why doesn't she make herself a charm that will help her resist Lannan? Why does she behave so immaturely in so many of her actions?
These stupid out-of-character actions don't lead me to think much of Galenorn's writing.
The Story
It's been nine years since Cicely last set foot in New Forest and now members of the Thirteen Moons Society are turning up dead or missing. The family she has left needs her help.
But Heather is kidnapped before she can return home. Something is different, wrong, about Grieve.
And Cicely and Rhiannon are forced to approach the Vampire Nation. And forced to perform for them.
The Characters
Cicely Waters is a witch who learns in this story that she is also Cambrya Fae. Ulean is Cicely's Air Elemental, bound to her service. Krystal was her drug-addicted mother. Aunt Heather and cousin Rhiannon Roland were Cicely's only sense of true family she had growing up. Rhiannon teaches at the New Forest Conservatory, a school for the specially gifted.
Grieve has been Cicely's friend since she was very young; nine years ago, he wanted more. Her first love. He's also a prince in the Court of Rivers and Rushes, nephew to Lainule, the Queen of the Court, and born of the Cambyra Fae, a Shifting One. Chatter is his best friend and cousin, but not noble. Cicely learns that a Fae named Wrath is her father.
Anadey runs the town diner and is a shamanic witch who can work with all four elements. Peyton Moon Runner is her daughter as well as the short order cook. Her father, Rex, was a werepuma, and Peyton's half-breed status does her no favors. She dreams of starting a business, Magical Investigations, as a psychic investigator. Tyne, another Thirteen Moons Society member, is Marta's grandson. Jim Fischer is Marta's lawyer. Marta was an ancient witch who led the Thirteen Moons Society and had a successful magic practice in town.
Kaylin Chen speaks to ghosts, and he dreamwalks, possessed by a night-veil demon.
Geoffrey the Great is the Northwest Regent for the Vampire Nation, turned when he was a Mongolian lord. Leo Bryne is Geoffrey's day runner, a witch with a talent for herbs and healing, and Rhiannon's boyfriend. Elise is his sister and a Thirteen Moons Society member---she's vanished as well. Crawl is the Blood Oracle, a thing twisted and corrupt, a vampire who gave it up to become seer to the Queen. He sired Regina and Lannan. Regina Altos is the Emissary to the Crimson Court; her brother, Lannan, is a professor at the Conservatory, and also a vampire. A sadistic, cruel one who delights in the humiliation of others.
Dane was a tattoo artist and one of her mothers' many, many boyfriends, but he taught Cicely a number of useful tricks. Shy and Cherish are a young Fae couple in love, a Romeo and Juliet of a love and just as doomed, part of the Najeeling Prophecy.
The Vein Lords, a.k.a., the Crimson Court, a.k.a., the Vampire Nation, are the vampires. Myst is the Queen of the Indigo Court, a vampiric fae.
The Cover
The cover is deep purples and brilliant greens with a midnight forest and an owl silhouetted against a full moon with Cicely in her low-cut jeans, cropped knit top showcasing her wolf tattoo, and her back leather jacket. It's a confident look on Cicely's face, daring us to disbelieve.
The title is a blend of danger and antagonist---Night Myst---danger.
My Take
I know that Galenorn is the same author of the Otherworld series, and this series is also one of fantasy, fae, vampires, and shifters. But it's different. It doesn't feel the same. It doesn't read the same. There's a darker cast to this series with a lot fewer warm, familial characters.
On the whole I do like the concept of this new series, but I have doubts about Cicely and how Galenorn writes this character. She's been around vampires her whole life, and yet she makes this stupid deal with them. I know she didn't have much time or choice, but she should have known enough to examine it very carefully. So, in many respects, I don't have much sympathy for her.
But I also question their interpretation of the contract. We only know of two stipulations on the contract. But as soon as Cicely signs it, all of a sudden the vampires go wild with all sorts of new rules that Cicely doesn't protest. WTF??? What is with the deals the various vampires make in this story??
Cicely is twenty-six years old with almost twenty years of surviving on the streets. So why does she act so stupidly at the Barrow? So stupidly in allowing Grieve to bite her? Why doesn't she make herself a charm that will help her resist Lannan? Why does she behave so immaturely in so many of her actions?
These stupid out-of-character actions don't lead me to think much of Galenorn's writing.
The Story
It's been nine years since Cicely last set foot in New Forest and now members of the Thirteen Moons Society are turning up dead or missing. The family she has left needs her help.
But Heather is kidnapped before she can return home. Something is different, wrong, about Grieve.
And Cicely and Rhiannon are forced to approach the Vampire Nation. And forced to perform for them.
The Characters
Cicely Waters is a witch who learns in this story that she is also Cambrya Fae. Ulean is Cicely's Air Elemental, bound to her service. Krystal was her drug-addicted mother. Aunt Heather and cousin Rhiannon Roland were Cicely's only sense of true family she had growing up. Rhiannon teaches at the New Forest Conservatory, a school for the specially gifted.
Grieve has been Cicely's friend since she was very young; nine years ago, he wanted more. Her first love. He's also a prince in the Court of Rivers and Rushes, nephew to Lainule, the Queen of the Court, and born of the Cambyra Fae, a Shifting One. Chatter is his best friend and cousin, but not noble. Cicely learns that a Fae named Wrath is her father.
Anadey runs the town diner and is a shamanic witch who can work with all four elements. Peyton Moon Runner is her daughter as well as the short order cook. Her father, Rex, was a werepuma, and Peyton's half-breed status does her no favors. She dreams of starting a business, Magical Investigations, as a psychic investigator. Tyne, another Thirteen Moons Society member, is Marta's grandson. Jim Fischer is Marta's lawyer. Marta was an ancient witch who led the Thirteen Moons Society and had a successful magic practice in town.
Kaylin Chen speaks to ghosts, and he dreamwalks, possessed by a night-veil demon.
Geoffrey the Great is the Northwest Regent for the Vampire Nation, turned when he was a Mongolian lord. Leo Bryne is Geoffrey's day runner, a witch with a talent for herbs and healing, and Rhiannon's boyfriend. Elise is his sister and a Thirteen Moons Society member---she's vanished as well. Crawl is the Blood Oracle, a thing twisted and corrupt, a vampire who gave it up to become seer to the Queen. He sired Regina and Lannan. Regina Altos is the Emissary to the Crimson Court; her brother, Lannan, is a professor at the Conservatory, and also a vampire. A sadistic, cruel one who delights in the humiliation of others.
Dane was a tattoo artist and one of her mothers' many, many boyfriends, but he taught Cicely a number of useful tricks. Shy and Cherish are a young Fae couple in love, a Romeo and Juliet of a love and just as doomed, part of the Najeeling Prophecy.
The Vein Lords, a.k.a., the Crimson Court, a.k.a., the Vampire Nation, are the vampires. Myst is the Queen of the Indigo Court, a vampiric fae.
The Cover
The cover is deep purples and brilliant greens with a midnight forest and an owl silhouetted against a full moon with Cicely in her low-cut jeans, cropped knit top showcasing her wolf tattoo, and her back leather jacket. It's a confident look on Cicely's face, daring us to disbelieve.
The title is a blend of danger and antagonist---Night Myst---danger.
tuttidolci's review against another edition
1.0
Bummer.
The concept was unique. However, the execution was not good. It lacked focus and was sloppy and immature. In fact, it felt like something that my 13 year-old self could've written (I used to sneak-read Bodice Rippers at that age, so I could write a "story" with graphic sex scenes like the best of 'em).
I found myself skimming through parts which seemed like pure filler, and feeling disappointed when arriving at scenes that COULD'VE led to an amazing climax (no pun intended) or built up the flow into the next one. Instead, they'd veer into "WTF?" land, with downright out of place, hokey, awkward nonsense. As a result, I never connected with or even LIKED any character. In fact, the lead character, Cicely, was an impulsive, clichéd, weak, dog-in-heat that I could neither respect nor cheer for. And looking like a tattooed, goth chick did not magically make her a badass. At all.
Anywhoodle, let me go on record to state that I don't normally bother to write negative reviews, as I think that low star ratings speak for themselves. However, this story really disappointed me, because the premise was indeed unique, which gave it so much potential for development. But seeing said potential mismanaged when put into story form, completely turned me off.
The concept was unique. However, the execution was not good. It lacked focus and was sloppy and immature. In fact, it felt like something that my 13 year-old self could've written (I used to sneak-read Bodice Rippers at that age, so I could write a "story" with graphic sex scenes like the best of 'em).
I found myself skimming through parts which seemed like pure filler, and feeling disappointed when arriving at scenes that COULD'VE led to an amazing climax (no pun intended) or built up the flow into the next one. Instead, they'd veer into "WTF?" land, with downright out of place, hokey, awkward nonsense. As a result, I never connected with or even LIKED any character. In fact, the lead character, Cicely, was an impulsive, clichéd, weak, dog-in-heat that I could neither respect nor cheer for. And looking like a tattooed, goth chick did not magically make her a badass. At all.
Anywhoodle, let me go on record to state that I don't normally bother to write negative reviews, as I think that low star ratings speak for themselves. However, this story really disappointed me, because the premise was indeed unique, which gave it so much potential for development. But seeing said potential mismanaged when put into story form, completely turned me off.
keberwick's review against another edition
2.0
Oh boy, I have completely changed my mind about this book. It wasn't as good as I remembered and everything just felt slightly off. The abundance of explainers slipped into conversation is the first major complaint that I had. I felt like they were just blatantly put there with no effort to disguise them and even though explainers are almost a requirement for books like these, I felt like other books integrate them better into the conversation and the flow of the book.
I really wanted to be able to re-read and love this book like I did when I first read it. In fact, I wasn't even going to reread it because I thought it was so good that I would of course remember what had happened in the first book and there was no reason to remind myself before diving into the second book. Oh how wrong I was.
The idea is great, sure, but it's not executed perfectly. I wouldn't actively dissuade someone from reading it, but I'm sure as hell not going to recommend it.
I really wanted to be able to re-read and love this book like I did when I first read it. In fact, I wasn't even going to reread it because I thought it was so good that I would of course remember what had happened in the first book and there was no reason to remind myself before diving into the second book. Oh how wrong I was.
The idea is great, sure, but it's not executed perfectly. I wouldn't actively dissuade someone from reading it, but I'm sure as hell not going to recommend it.
redentrapy's review against another edition
4.0
A great story of Fae, undead, magic, and past lives merging to making a tantalizing and riveting tale. With violence, blood, and sex this is a page turner right from the beginning. The characters are a little underdeveloped but the plot line is completely original and very interesting. Can't wait for the next installment.
kim_brockway_gatehouse's review against another edition
3.0
A Fast-paced First Installment in this PNR Urban Fantasy Series
Yasmine Galenorn is a new-to-me author (although I have read and enjoyed a couple of her stories that have appeared in various box sets) and I loved the premise for this series; the new twisted mythology behind vampires and fae.
I loved the urban setting of this paranormal romance; the world building was complex, as was the cast of characters.
What niggled was that I found it hard to connect to our heroine, Cicely, and throughout this book I felt lost a numerous times; the narrative and dialogue didn't read like a first in series book but one where we the readers already knew the characters, past situations and histories.
Although I did enjoy this book, it hasn't gripped me enough to continue with the series.
Yasmine Galenorn is a new-to-me author (although I have read and enjoyed a couple of her stories that have appeared in various box sets) and I loved the premise for this series; the new twisted mythology behind vampires and fae.
I loved the urban setting of this paranormal romance; the world building was complex, as was the cast of characters.
What niggled was that I found it hard to connect to our heroine, Cicely, and throughout this book I felt lost a numerous times; the narrative and dialogue didn't read like a first in series book but one where we the readers already knew the characters, past situations and histories.
Although I did enjoy this book, it hasn't gripped me enough to continue with the series.
cheesygiraffe's review against another edition
4.0
Good start to a new series. It's a very interesting concept. And owls! I love owls. I wish I could fly.
deanapotter's review against another edition
5.0
If you liked the sisters, you will love this book!!!!
528's review against another edition
Good but sadly Not in the right mood.
Will give it another Chance.
Will give it another Chance.
dynila's review against another edition
2.0
I keep picking up Yasmine Galenorn books a few authors I like (Laurell K Hamilton most notably) seem to really like her and her work and I want to do the same. I even have the first nine of her Otherworld series in paperback (for tub reading -- I've dropped enough books over the years to know not to try to read on my Kindle in the tub).
But I just can't do it. This was is at least a different world, and the MC is a bit smarter than the D'Artigo sisters (or, if not smarter, at least less vapid-seeming). But it was still fluffy with very little plot for the length of the book (9 CDs, I think).
I'd listen to the rest of the series, as ear candy while driving, but I wouldn't read them in print - too little content for too much of my time investment. Sorry, Ms. G -- I really wanted to like this.
But I just can't do it. This was is at least a different world, and the MC is a bit smarter than the D'Artigo sisters (or, if not smarter, at least less vapid-seeming). But it was still fluffy with very little plot for the length of the book (9 CDs, I think).
I'd listen to the rest of the series, as ear candy while driving, but I wouldn't read them in print - too little content for too much of my time investment. Sorry, Ms. G -- I really wanted to like this.
themarishale's review against another edition
4.0
While I loved Night Myst and understand that Ms. Galenorn must build this new world of vampiric fae, shifters, and witches, there was just so much going on. And, as someone who loves resolution, the unresolved issues are what left me feeling as if the book was one I "really liked" (according to Goodreads' rating standards) instead of one that I found "amazing".
I must admit, though, that I love a strong heroine who isn't lead entirely by lust, and Cicely fits that description well. It is obvious that she is in love with and connected to Grieve, so my heart broke for her at the end. However, I have hope that they will eventually find their happily ever after.
Also, can I just say that I am dying for Rhia and Chatter to hook up. I know Leo seems like a good guy, but there is something about the thought of Rhia and Chatter that I adore. Fiery Rhia and vulnerable Chatter--I just love it. And, though I know Cicely is all about Grieve, I wonder if his dark nature taking over will open the door for possibilities with Kaylin or Lannan (who is HOT but oh so dangerous and just a little scary).
All in all, if you enjoy Ms. Galenorn's books, you must let yourself fall into this complex and beautiful new world she has created. And if you have never read her books, Night Myst is a great introduction to her work.
I must admit, though, that I love a strong heroine who isn't lead entirely by lust, and Cicely fits that description well. It is obvious that she is in love with and connected to Grieve, so my heart broke for her at the end. However, I have hope that they will eventually find their happily ever after.
Also, can I just say that I am dying for Rhia and Chatter to hook up. I know Leo seems like a good guy, but there is something about the thought of Rhia and Chatter that I adore. Fiery Rhia and vulnerable Chatter--I just love it. And, though I know Cicely is all about Grieve, I wonder if his dark nature taking over will open the door for possibilities with Kaylin or Lannan (who is HOT but oh so dangerous and just a little scary).
All in all, if you enjoy Ms. Galenorn's books, you must let yourself fall into this complex and beautiful new world she has created. And if you have never read her books, Night Myst is a great introduction to her work.