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A review by thelibraryofklee
The Midnight Lie by Marie Rutkoski
4.0
"Gold-sandaled dawn
Fell like a thief
Upon me"
The Midnight Lie is ultimately a YA love story set on a magical island. The writing is beautifully lyrical and descriptive; it felt like a very immersive experience. Our protagonist is Nirrim; a half Kith who lives in a bleak walled in community. Beyond the wall live the High Kith who enjoy an extravagant lifestyle she could only dream of. Our love interest is Sid; a rakish, intriguing, gorgeously complex character who sets in motion Nirrim challenging the status quo.
I have to admit - the plot and action are a little slow for my personal tastes. It feels like not a lot "happens" (until the last few chapters) and there is a lot of personal journey vibes and world building. Nirrim's naivety was painful at times (but I guess this is reflective of the half Kith existence) - especially in relation to the existing toxic relationships in her life. Every conversation and action from these side characters carried a heavy weight of foreboding about their true nature. The love story is VERY PG so don't go in expecting sexy ACOTARness - this book could be comfortably read by a high schooler with prudish parents.
This is being set up to have a sequel, which doesn't exist yet, and also is part of a universe that Rutkoski has already written about. I gasped at the explosive ending; I am definitely intrigued to know what happens next.
Has a real "Bardugo" feel to it, so I think if you like her work, you will enjoy this one.
Fell like a thief
Upon me"
The Midnight Lie is ultimately a YA love story set on a magical island. The writing is beautifully lyrical and descriptive; it felt like a very immersive experience. Our protagonist is Nirrim; a half Kith who lives in a bleak walled in community. Beyond the wall live the High Kith who enjoy an extravagant lifestyle she could only dream of. Our love interest is Sid; a rakish, intriguing, gorgeously complex character who sets in motion Nirrim challenging the status quo.
I have to admit - the plot and action are a little slow for my personal tastes. It feels like not a lot "happens" (until the last few chapters) and there is a lot of personal journey vibes and world building. Nirrim's naivety was painful at times (but I guess this is reflective of the half Kith existence) - especially in relation to the existing toxic relationships in her life. Every conversation and action from these side characters carried a heavy weight of foreboding about their true nature. The love story is VERY PG so don't go in expecting sexy ACOTARness - this book could be comfortably read by a high schooler with prudish parents.
This is being set up to have a sequel, which doesn't exist yet, and also is part of a universe that Rutkoski has already written about. I gasped at the explosive ending; I am definitely intrigued to know what happens next.
Has a real "Bardugo" feel to it, so I think if you like her work, you will enjoy this one.