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A review by courtney_saba
Down Comes the Night by Allison Saft
5.0
Overall: 4.5 stars, rounded up.
Wow, yes! 2021 book slump is redeemed with this book! I'm so happy this wasn't a disappointment.
Some viewers may be writing that this book isn't Gothic enough, isn't dark enough, doesn't have enough horror elements in it, or is potentially predictable. But you know what? I really freaking enjoyed this book. I didn't need it to be the best Gothic book or the best dark book I've ever read. I didn't need it to be something it wasn't, or something that would cater to all readers. I needed to be entertained and believe in the story itself. And the author executed this brilliantly and I wouldn't change anything.
I loved the setting, the magic rules and limitations, the history, culture, and religion of these warring countries, the plot, and the worldbuilding. Was it extremely detailed? Not really, but I didn't need it to be because I couldn't put this book down. I thought it was really unique how the magic system worked and how science contributed and influenced the realism of the magic system. My career is in the medical field and so I really enjoyed all the medical jargon and anatomical references. You could tell that the author did some research, and I appreciated that.
The strongest and most entertaining part of this book was the romance. It was an enemies-to-lovers, slow burn deliciousness that kept me glued to the page. They talked about philosophy, their own prejudices, who they are with and without their magic, and how forgiveness, compassion, and working for peace can mean sacrifice and hard work. It was genuine, so very intimate, gentle, and meaningful. Their relationship is everything I look for, and I was very pleased with the outcome.
Was this book original? There were unique elements and styles, and there was a maturity to the writing that I really appreciated, but in the end, no, this book wasn't 100% original. Did I need it to be 100% original? No, because I enjoyed the hell out of this book and sometimes good writing and storytelling can trump the original status. There were not any major tropes or cliches that I can think of, any that would make it unbearable to read. There were no Mary Sues or special snowflakes. The gothic genre is not as familiar to me as other genres, but there definitely was a Gothic tone to the book. The overarching plot and execution of the idea were superb, and I couldn't really ask for more.
Would I re-read this book? Yes.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. I think anyone would enjoy this book if they enjoy a slow-burn romance, a magical system that's unique, and genuine intimacy and maturity between characters, not to mention storytelling.
Was I entertained? Yes. I couldn't put the book down.
Enjoy, Goodreads fiends.
Wow, yes! 2021 book slump is redeemed with this book! I'm so happy this wasn't a disappointment.
Some viewers may be writing that this book isn't Gothic enough, isn't dark enough, doesn't have enough horror elements in it, or is potentially predictable. But you know what? I really freaking enjoyed this book. I didn't need it to be the best Gothic book or the best dark book I've ever read. I didn't need it to be something it wasn't, or something that would cater to all readers. I needed to be entertained and believe in the story itself. And the author executed this brilliantly and I wouldn't change anything.
I loved the setting, the magic rules and limitations, the history, culture, and religion of these warring countries, the plot, and the worldbuilding. Was it extremely detailed? Not really, but I didn't need it to be because I couldn't put this book down. I thought it was really unique how the magic system worked and how science contributed and influenced the realism of the magic system. My career is in the medical field and so I really enjoyed all the medical jargon and anatomical references. You could tell that the author did some research, and I appreciated that.
The strongest and most entertaining part of this book was the romance. It was an enemies-to-lovers, slow burn deliciousness that kept me glued to the page. They talked about philosophy, their own prejudices, who they are with and without their magic, and how forgiveness, compassion, and working for peace can mean sacrifice and hard work. It was genuine, so very intimate, gentle, and meaningful. Their relationship is everything I look for, and I was very pleased with the outcome.
Was this book original? There were unique elements and styles, and there was a maturity to the writing that I really appreciated, but in the end, no, this book wasn't 100% original. Did I need it to be 100% original? No, because I enjoyed the hell out of this book and sometimes good writing and storytelling can trump the original status. There were not any major tropes or cliches that I can think of, any that would make it unbearable to read. There were no Mary Sues or special snowflakes. The gothic genre is not as familiar to me as other genres, but there definitely was a Gothic tone to the book. The overarching plot and execution of the idea were superb, and I couldn't really ask for more.
Would I re-read this book? Yes.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. I think anyone would enjoy this book if they enjoy a slow-burn romance, a magical system that's unique, and genuine intimacy and maturity between characters, not to mention storytelling.
Was I entertained? Yes. I couldn't put the book down.
Enjoy, Goodreads fiends.