A review by talknerdybookblog
Midnight of Ashes by Tessa Hale

adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Representation: Polyamorous Heroine

Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions

• No cheating
• Does have OW drama
- Delaney, the Heroine's roommate from book 1, is basically stalking + 0bsessed with Knox and therefore causes major drama
- We discover that the main reason Maddox is resisting the mating bond is that he doesn't feel he deserves one after he got his girlfriend killed (their enemies sought to get to Maddox by killing his girlfriend). What annoys me about this subplot is that there wasn't a single hint to it in Book 1, and the framing of the girlfriend changes throughout the series. The first mention of her, Maddox feels even more guilty cuz she was his first gf (he was ~18/19), and they both knew that the relationship was heading towards a breakup. But later in the series, she is reframed as his first Real Love ... which contradicts what he told the Heroine in Book 2. 
• Does have OM drama
- Heroine's advisor/professor is a creep and sexually harasses the Heroine
• Does have Easton AND Maddox pushing the Heroine away
• No separation


Possible Triggers: Yes

• Sexual harassment
• Sexual assault
• Kidnapping
• Violence
• Threat of gun violence
• Bullying
• Stalking + obsessive behaviour displayed by villain/bully
• Murder
• Torture
• Age gap between Heroine (19) and Cillian + Maddox (early to mid-30s)


Ending:
Cliffhanger