Nevernight was absolutely stabbtastic.
And “stabbtastic” is a word here which (A) does not exist, and (B) is a mixture of “stab” and “fantastic” so…STABBTASTIC. I know I know I’m genius.
I actually put off reading Nevernight for…um, ever. Just because the hype was so intense and I’m an Epic Fantasy Addict and have high expectations. IT DID MEET MY EXPECTATIONS!! (Because #stabstabstab.) But it also withered like a drowning avocado * in a few other respects. So obviously we are going to have a LIST REVIEW. *
* Admire my imagery.
** Is there any other kind of review on this blog? HA. I think not.
NOTE: There’s been discussion on whether it is or is not YA. The protagonist, Mia, is 16…but it is actually adult fantasy for the levels of violence and sex. Although, that saying, I’ve read fantasy that is a lot darker so I felt this was middle-ground-dark-adult-fantasy.
- IT’S AN ASSASSIN ORIGIN STORY. Which is, actually, my favourite. And Nevernight had ALL THE ASSASSIN THINGS. It’s brutal, bloody, stabby, and the characters go through some crazy circumstances that should’ve killed them except they’re all disagreeable and stay alive. (Although I lowkey thought the actual training routines of the assassins wasn’t as tough as it could be. What am I. A psycho maybe.) Plus it had a constantly interesting plot and creepified plot. #EPIC
- I REALLY LOVED MIA. She had the potential to be one of those “emotionless female warriors who has no opinion/emotion/personality” as seems popular in badass epic fantasy. BUT NO. MIA WAS AWESOME. She was a mixture of brutal cunning and brutal caring. Seriously, she really cared about things and would probably stab you in the face if you hurt her friends. She also can manipulate shadows and use them to attack people. She’s called a “darkin” and do we get to know the extent or reason for her powers???? HAHAHHAHAHAH NO LITTLE LAMB. We get to frown and ask questions. Where is mine sequel. Bring it thusly here.
“I’ve got tea,” Mercurio sighed. “And cake.”
The girl covered her growling belly with both palms.
“…What kind of cake?”
“The free kind.”
Mia pouted. Licked her lips and tasted blood.
“My favourite.”
- THE STORY IS WRITTEN WITH FOOTNOTES. Which were fully hilarious. It’s like a mysterious anonymous narrator is telling Mia’s story and giving footnotes commentary about (A) various pieces of world building that really developed the world, and (B) actual snide comments on Mia’s life decisions which are not good. BUT SARCASM.
- THE ROMANCE IS QUITE NICE. I mean, they’re assassins, so…I guess I shouldn’t use the word “nice” since they like beat each other up sometimes and snuggle other times. There’s a slow burn relationship between Mia and Tric. They’re both competing for top places in the Red Church Assassin School Thingie, but they also accidentally looooooove each other. #SHIPPINGIT I loved Tric! He was adorable and sweet BUT YET managed to be freaking badass and frightening at the same time. All the love for Tric.
“If I were going to name my blade,” Mia said thoughtfully, “I’d call it ‘Fluffy’.”
Tric snorted with laughter. “Fluffy?”
“‘Byss, yes,” the girl nodded. “Think of the terror you’d instil. Being bested by a foe wielding a sword called Souldrinker…that you could live with. Imagine the shame of having the piss smacked out of you by a blade called Fluffy.”
- THERE IS A TALKING CAT. There is literally no reason not to love a talking cat made out of shadows called Mister Kindly who gives sassy opinions and judges you 1000% of the time.
- IT WAS REALLY ADDICTIVE. I actually didn’t want to put it down?! And even though the hardcover copy weighed more than a Hobbit’s pantry and I nearly broke my wrists whilst reading…I STILL DIDN’T WANT TO PUT IT DOWN. (Although petition for someone to invent reading-robots to hold books open for we bookworms and turn the pages??? Because please.)
- IT WAS PREDICTABLE. Have I read too many books? Or just too many assassin stories?? WHO KNOWS. But I called a ton of the plot twists ahead of time. (Not the BIGGEST one at the end though.) I wanted shock. I got very small amount of shock.
- THE DEATHS WERE PREDICTABLE. This means my feels WERE NOT CRUMPLED because I was prepared for who would kick the bucket the whole time????
- THERE’S A BIZARRE TWIST AT THE END THAT MAKES NO SENSE. It was so out of character for Mia that I’m…angry?! And I shalt shout about it in spoilers again because I HAVE FEELINGS.
- THE PLOT ACTUALLY DIED IN FAVOUR OF SEXY TIMES. Like, sure, haha, let’s just pause ALL PLOT for a sex scene or two. (Sanity is throwing a tantrum in the background.) The problem was there was literally no plot happening about two-thirds through the book because all Mia was thinking about is sex. It was like Throne of Glass (my nemesis) ALL OVER AGAIN and I was bored and disappointed.
- THERE WAS A BIG EMPHASIS ON BEAUTY. I just hate this trope. I still see it a lot and I think it’s dangerous and poisonous. Like who defines “beautiful”??? GIVE ME A BREAK. Mia had to get a magical facelift and a boob job and I just…I’m so annoyed.
I’m definitely glad I read this!
It wasn’t perfect and I think the plot could’ve been tighter (so I didn’t feel like napping in a field of daisies in the middle there) and the deaths a leeeettle bit more unpredictable and we could’ve smashed the stupid ideals about “beauty”. But the writing was good and captivating! Mia was epic. Tric was adorable. THERE WAS SO MUCH SASS AND STAB. Which are my requirements for a good book.
So I shall be over here, wishing I had a talking shadow-not-cat to give me a running sass-commentary on my life and also petting the beauty that is my hardcover. And there are actually three beautiful maps in the UK hardcover. THREE!!! I LOVE MAPS JUST AS MUCH AS I LOVE CAKE AND THAT’S SAYING SOMETHING.
WOW I ACTUALLY BOUGHT THIS FOR MYSELF AND HAVE NO ONE TO THANK EXCEPT MY DRAGON COINS (AND WELL, THE AUTHOR TOO, I GUESS, FOR WRITING THIS NOVEL.)
Destined to destroy empires, Mia Covere is only ten years old when she is given her first lesson in death.
Six years later, the child raised in shadows takes her first steps towards keeping the promise she made on the day that she lost everything.
But the chance to strike against such powerful enemies will be fleeting, so if she is to have her revenge, Mia must become a weapon without equal. She must prove herself against the deadliest of friends and enemies, and survive the tutelage of murderers, liars and demons at the heart of a murder cult.
The Red Church is no Hogwarts, but Mia is no ordinary student.
The shadows love her. And they drink her fear.
\\ click to read reviews //
After reading this I have determined I need to read Nevernight, for the sass and daggers if nothing else! Cait, how do you always manage to sneak books onto my TBR pile??? (I am secretly glad though as now I’ll never run out of books to read). As for assassin stories…hmmm, I don’t like them too dark. I can manage a good deal of guts and gore, but when it gets to a certain point when I might as well go to a morgue than keep reading, that’s it for me.
(Sorry I haven’t been around too much lately; moving is killing me. Great post!) 😀
I AM HERE TO BE CONVINCING. hehe. 😜 But be careful if you don’t actually like assassin stories that are dark! Because this one is! Unless you read a lot of super-dark stuff (like I do haha) then this won’t feel as brutal.
(Oh you definitely don’t have to apologise!! And good luck with the move. *sends cake*)
Hmm, I haven’t read Nevernight, and I”m not planning too because….it’s not really my thing. I’m not into too much stabbing so yeah) i’ve also heard that it represents brown people with facial tattoos (i.e. like a lot of Pasifika people) as savages) which is problematic… but I don’t reall know ,I haven’t read it. I like my fantasy light to medium dark, but above all nuaced, like I love the depth and complexity of The Name of the Wind books.
That’s fair!!😂 And there is a LOT of stabbing. And tbh, I did hear about the savages discussion that exploded twitter a while back, and I don’t want to say anything insensitive to people who were hurt by Nevernight. But to be very honest: every single character in this book is brutal and awful. That’s the WORLD. There are people of all colours doing good and bad things. And I can’t remember if the word savage was used, but I think there was one particular character who was disgustingly crude with what he was saying to the brown character…but he was a villain. And he died. (I always felt villains were supposed to be evil???) SO I DON’T KNOW. I respect anyone’s decision to read or not read it!
The Name of the Wind is AMAZING. I actually have the sequel on audio to read soon.😍😍
I really need to read this book ASAP. I mean a fantasy with an AMAZING cover by an Australian author that actually gets recognition within the book community – it’s practically unheard of.
I KNOW RIGHT?!! IT’S FREAKING FANTASTIC. I love it when Aussie authors get flailed over all over the world!!
I REALLY liked this book, although at the start the writing kind of baffled me because I guess you could say it’s very mature maybe formal is the word? I loved Mia and TALKING CATS ARE THE BEST RIGHT?! Tric was the best right!!
Yes! It is very different from the typical YA, which I was expecting, which I think is another reason it was more adult for the style. *nods* So glad we both loved it though! *hi fiveS*
*this comment contains MAJOR spoilers, so do not read it if you’re planning on reading Nevernight!*
Great review, Cait! 😀
Unlike you, though, I didn’t see many of the plot twists coming.
I *did* have a strong feeling Tric was going to… *gulp*… die. But I didn’t want it to happen so I tried not to think about it until it…. happened.
I’m still not fully convinced he’s really dead, though.
There is a chance he might still be alive! (I even made a very convincing case of it in my Nevernight book review: http://magiverse.blogspot.co.il/2016/08/nevernight-by-jay-kristoff-book-review.html)
What I totally didn’t see coming was Mia’s friend (forgot her name) turning out to be on the other side.
If you did see that one coming then you’re truly amazing at predicting plot twists ^^
Eh… well… you do sound *a little bit* like a psycho saying that Mia should have killed that innocent boy ‘^^
I mean, I get what you mean about it being very strange and out of character for her not to kill the boy after everything she went through to avenge her family and become a full pledged assassin… and yet, I’m glad she didn’t do it. I feel like it was the right thing to do, both morally and plot-wise.
Oh, how I love miter Kindly!
I can’t wait for the second book.
What do you think it’s going to be called? (:
P.S: I do love dark stories. Most people don’t know this about me but I tend to root for (and love) dark characters, stories, etc. For the sake of not sounding psychotic, I don’t really tell anyone about it 😉
P.SS: I was sort of between yay and nay about the footnotes.
At times, it was very funny.
But mostly, it distracted me from the main story and I found it harder to concentrate back on it once reading the footnotes.
For as much as I loved Nevernight, it took a great deal of concentration to get through the writing style. I couldn’t let anything distract me or I would have lost my place in the story.
I actually might believe you in the case of Tric there!! Like, I mean, we did kinda see him die?? But there is totally a chance he could’ve survived BECAUSE MAGIC OF COURSE. *crosses fingers* Someone get me the sequel ASAP though. And YES I didn’t see the traitor’s coming. I thought it was Hush.😂
And YES that’s what I mean about Mia not-killing the boy!! She made a GOOD and RIGHT morally decision and I just didn’t think it fit with anything else she’d done???? But it was obviously still the right decision to make. And saved her life. #bonus
Ah…Neverdaytime??😂😂 THAT WOULD BE A GOOD SEQUEL.
ASSASSIN’S ARE THE BEST. (Who likes fluff? Not me) I absolutely love cats and a talking cat is just cherry on the top! (kind of reminds me of Meowth from pokemon omg XD) I have heard so many great reviews, JUST I THINK GODS ARE TELLING ME TO PICK IT UP. (Well, you can’t really refuse them) great review 🙂
YES YES YOU NEED TO TRY IT, IT CALLS TO YOU. Particularly the cat. The SASS levels are just so gloriously high.😂
I totally agree with you about the beauty thing. I DIDN’T HAVE TO HAPPEN. She was pretty enough as it was, but then the author just HAD to go and make her, like Mia 2.0. It’s been quite some time since I read this, but I still remember facepalming because WHY, JUST WHY. And then I wished that she would turn back to her old self and Tric would say he liked her better this way, and then they have that meaningful conversation about how appearances don’t matter (I LOVE THESE CONVERSATIONS IN MY SHIPS). But, alas, all our wishes cannot come true *tear rolls melodramatically down cheek*… Yeah…(If they could, I would be wallowing in chocolate now.)
And, is it just me, or does Tric’s death feel just a little teensy bit suspicious? Like, we didn’t see his body, and they wasn’t any confirmation, from Mia’s POV, that he had actually died. I’m probably just really paraniod, but hmm…
YES! I was enjoying it so much until that came along and I was just “???? no????” It just annoyed me so much, argh, and I’ve read that in quite a few books too. And YES I was waiting for the comments about appearances not mattering, but all they did was like their improved selves better. #sigh
I’LL WALLOW IN CHOCOLATE ANYWAY OVER THIS SHIP.
(BECAUSE CHOCOLATE IS LIFE.
So is cake. And books (duh). And, um, sweet stuff. Not peanuts tho)
But the saddest thing is, in loads of YA books, there’s instalove (as we all VERY WELL know). And the thing about instalove is that, in so many situations, it’s just the appearance that makes such a big impression on the love interests. I’ve barely found any books which feature non-hot or non-cute (come on, of course those are words) or just plain ugly MCs. Which is kind of really sad. I WANT MORE BOOKS WHERE PEOPLE ARE ATTRACTED BY CHARACTER, NOT APPEARANCE. (Shades of Magic series *swoons out of pure, undying love*)
I guess I’m just saying that in so many YA books, it’s not love, it’s lust (Ahem, Twilight), and people who read those books develop kind of twisted(?) version of what they think love is. Which is soooo sad. Plus, I’m a feminist (and proud of it), and it just seems kind of demeaning to both men and women. (not only women, because we believe in EQUALITY!!!)
I’M JUST RAMBLING NOW, I’LL STOP.
I’d been thinking about for quite a while now, so thanks for the opportunity to vent. And rant, just because it’s fun.
I’m not a fan of instalove in books at all. 🙈🙊 Although I must pick good YA because I actually don’t read it ALWAYS…it’s basically 50/50 split for me? But yeeeeah. I want more books where physical appearance is talked about (because it does make a big impact on us!!) but also rebuffed??! (Do you count ADSOM as YA? Because I think it’s adult.😜) FEMINISM FTW ALWAYS THOUGH.
Feel free to ramble!! I love discussing these kind of things!
WHO CARES WHETHER ITS YA OR ADULT IT’S AWESOME BEYOND MEASURE
*fangirls crazily*
And YAS to feminism.
Yeah, I just remembered something- I said that I would love to read a book which had more attraction based on characteristics rather than appearance (look at me, saying all these big words). So, anyways, I just remembered a book I’d read- Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin #2) by Robin LaFevers. The first book was really rather meh, but the second one was much, much better. Less boring. Check it out. It’s goood.
I agree with you completely Cait: way more positives than negatives for me but I agree that some of the deaths and the end were a bit odd.
*hi fives* Obviously, since we are in agreement, WE HAVE THE BEST OPINION ON THIS MATTER.😂
I haven’t read Nevernight yet, I don’t know why actually. Maybe motherly instincts stopped me, or i am not the stabby kind, I’m more of the sneaky poison type. But predictable aside, I might read it, I do like Jay Kristoff
That’s fair! These kind of dark stabby books aren’t for everyone. 😜
I REALLY need to read this, and I was going to purchase this with my Christmas money, but it’s SO expensive, in with the price cut down! So, I guess I’m just going to wait a bit it sometime this year! I actually love the Throne of Glass series, so I’m 99.99% sure, I’ll probably love this, too! 😄
Aww, I’m sorry it’s so expensive for you!! It was actually surprisingly cheap in Australia. There was like $2 difference between the paperback and hardcover?! Which is insanely weird because usually hardcovers here are SUPER expensive. Maybe you could find it at a library?
I just read this this week. I agree on almost all counts. kinda predictable sometimes but overall I liked it. Mister Kindly though, I like him, and I want to know more, he got really grumpy when there was no fear to feed on… what will he do in the next book, is he as helpful as he says or is there something more to him, am I just being pessimistic and crazy and who is the narrator, and are they really going to make us love her for multiple books and then kill her (it said right away that she was dead right?) ???? So many questions!!!
Basically can book #2 just be solely about Mister Kindly? WE DON’T ASK MUCH.😂 hehe And I lowkey think the narrator IS Mister Kindly. I KNOW IT’S SILLY BUT THAT’S MY THEORY.
Well. You have successfully convinced me to add this book to my TBR. Thank you for another entertaining review. I love your blog by the way. You are hilarious to read. 🙂
Aww, thanks, Sam! YOU ARE REALLY NICE AND I APPRECIATE THAT. I hope you like this book if you get a chance to try it!
Darn it, Cait, yet another book you’ve made me desperately want to read! This sounds SO GOOD. I NEED. Also, it’s Jay Kristoff, after reading Illuminae and Gemina I want to read everything he (as well as Amie Kaufman!) writes ever.
YOUR TBR IS WELCOME. 😂 And omg yesss Jay Kristoff is amazing and I will forever adore and love Illuminae. <3
I HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK YET! T_T I haven’t read much last year at all, actually. I am devastated. ;( But damn, do I like the sound of that shippy slow-burn romance. <3 And Mia sounds GREAT–I love having both depth and darkness to main characters. But I kinda got triggered when you mentioned the plot being overshadowed like it was in Throne of Glass (which I hated for that reason you mentioned). I'll still definitely try this one since I'm more into the "middle ground" dark adult fantasy, but I'll be more cautious. Lovely review, Cait! AND I'VE MISSED YOU! <3
OMG WOW AIMEE!! YOU’RE BACK!! IT’S BEEN SO LONG I THOUGHT THE EARTH SWALLOWED YOU. *gives you welcome back cake* 😊😊
And omg I was SUPER worried that I would end up hating it because of the Throne of Glass similarities (I really hate how ToG paused its plot for the sexytimes too…like why can’t the plot keep going!?? gah) but I don’t know…I guess Mister Kindly made up for it.😂 And Mia doesn’t have a pendulum swinging personality (like ahem Celaena) WHICH IS NICE.😂
Since I put this on my to-read list — based on “everyone says it’s so good” (I know, what is wrong with me) — I’m really glad to have a review that’s a LOT more than “it’s so good, read it.” As usual, thanks, Cait, for not feeling the need to hold back. 😉
Generally I don’t do cold-blooded killer origin stories. Even if they’re “nice” assasians. Anyway, I feel curious enough about this one that I want to try it. But I also really appreciate the fact you pointed out, that it’s really NOT YA, and rather NA. I will have less qualms about being unsure what to expect — since now I’ll be prepared for sex and violence — and also not let my 13 y/o near it.
Omg I ALWAYS am reading books purely because other people said they liked them.😂I’m super peer-pressured and not even sad about it haha. (And I’m glad yu liked the review!)
And oh yes, definitely don’t let your 13yo near it.😳 Not suitable at all! And I don’t usually feel the need to like make huge shouts about YA vs Adult books I read, but since Jay Kristoff is USUALLY a YA author, I wanted to for this one. *nods*
It’s important to distinguish between YA and NA. I’ve read several selections that were marketed YA simply because the protagonist is ages 16-18, but the writing itself is actually NA, and probably aimed at ages 18 +, and as a parent, I find that a real problem! Maybe they need to start giving books ratings, like movies! If Nevernight was released as an R-rated film, I’d know to keep him away from it without a second thought!
Yeah, that’s definitely frustrating when books are marked YA just because of the characters’ ages. If that was the case, Game of Thrones would be “YA” because almost all the characters are under 16 in the first book. AND IT IS NOT YA. So I do think there are some problems with that in publishing. *nods* Although I was reading Roald Dahl and Lemony Snicket until I was 16 really.😂 So I’m a bit of a late bloomer and by the time I got into YA I was definitely read for the tougher subjects. I can imagine it’d be a bit daunting being 13 and trying to figure out which YAs weren’t super dark/older.
It’s exactly why we need to be having this discussion. Publishers are first and foremost after money – and while, from a business standpoint, I get that – as a consumer with certain standards, I am a lot less likely to fork over my money to them if I feel they disappoint or don’t reach said level of expectation. And they really need to think of that – it’s not about changing how the readers think, it’s about responding to what the readers/consumers are saying.
Oh I do agree publishing is a business and obviously they’re doing what they think will get the most amount of money because that’s how businesses run. Which doesn’t always make it fair, or right, but I wouldn’t want publishing to ever shut down due to not being able to make enough money….so I get it! And funnily enough, I actually thought publishing wanted darker/edgier YA…but with my workings with my agent, my darker/edgier books constantly get turned aside for lighter books with positive endings/messages. Maybe they are aware how dark/older YA is getting and want to steer it back a little? So hopefully that’s encouraging to you! (I’ll let you know in full if I ever get a book deal.😂)
My view, and my experience with other parents, has become informed that many consumers/readers are definitely not spending money on certain types of sub-genres/titles that they would have 5-10 years ago… And publishers need to realize that, in terms of making money. So, if they listen to what parents are saying more, I imagine they’ll develop more sales in the end!
It is definitely about the fact that most YA (at least until around age 17) simply are not ready for the darker stuff – and we do live in a world where some terrible things are, sadly, happening, and adolescents do still want a sense of escape in entertainment, and the hope that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. When you’re talking about 12-15 y/o, I wouldn’t begrudge them that at all. Especially since I know child development (cognitively and physically), and know that they NEED that much longer than a lot of adults realize.
Hi Cait!
I put this book on my reading schedule for this year, only because I liked the cover (and the summary seemed a little interessting too). But I was very uncertain about it, ’cause I never heard anything of this Jay Kristoff guy. Who knows, maybe I’ll hate his wrting?! This put the book to the end of my list and it is a very long list.
But NOW that I read your review, I feel kind of relieved, because the book will not be a waste of time. And the book ascended into the top 10! No other book bevor made progress fast like this.
I’m really glad I convinced you to try it! WOOOO. *flails* And it’s always a fun risk trying a new author, right?! 🙂 I also highly recommend Illuminae (which is co-written by Jay Kristoff) just in case your TBR wasn’t huge enough already.😂
Yay, so glad you enjoyed this ‘Stabby’ tale Cait! I loved the fact that it didn’t wash out all the violence because this is an assassin tale so I was expecting very difficult situations and violence. Now, I do think readers need to know that it is an adult read with a young protagonist and not technically a YA read. Mia was definitely badass and the footnotes and talking cat were among my favorites as well. The plot (killings) are somewhat predictable but I really enjoyed the unique world Kristoff created 🙂
Yes! I think it was nicely dark…although definitely adult and not YA. Which is fine to me, but I do think younger readers need warning!
I wasn’t originally going to read this – it looks too similar to Game of Thrones, which I DNFd – but your review has made me consider it!
Ellie | On the Other Side of Reality
I don’t think it’s anything like Game of Thrones if that helps! It’s more like Throne of Glass. 😉
I haven’t read it but it’s on my list because I love stabbing and assassins. I’d secretly like to be one. I mean they’re dangerous, everybody fears them, they are deadly and they know how to fight. Though I think I’d stab myself with the dagger sooner than I’d had the chance to stab the enemy. 😀 😀 I like my assassins dark so this could be book just for me, also, Throne of Glass is my favourite series (for now, because I’m only on third book, it may change) so I really don’t know why I haven’t read this one yet. 🙂
I’d probably stab myself with a spoon if left unattended tbh. I’M NOT VERY COORDINATED. BUT I HAVE GOOD INTENTIONS TO BE FEARSOME. *trips over self*😂
AHhhh Cait when I read this book, I had a feeling you would like it! The author’s humor and dark fantasy writing seemed right up your alley! The footnotes were pretty amazing. Yes, the book’s plot had its problems and the characterization was kind of ehhh (also the ending), but I enjoyed this book all in all. <3 Lovely review as usual, Cait!
Yes yes exactly! Like it wasn’t perfect for me, but it was a solidly amazing read still and I’m so glad I tried it!
I am currently reading Nevernight, I’m like one-third through it. I left off at the part where Mia’s arm is reattached. Mr. Kindly is awesome! He makes me think of lying cat from Saga! I love the US and AUS/UK covers. Your book has 3 maps though? Mine only has two, The Republic of Itreya and Inside the Republic of Itreya. Ah well my copy has its perks. My library has a signed copy first edition, that I want to keep all to myself! But for now it is in my possession. I am okay with the footnotes, some of them that took up like half the page, I could have lived without. I like my assassin stories extremely dark. I want to gasp and be yell this is horrifically brilliant! Like having to break your right arm to learn how to wield a sword with your left! Yes, I want that in my assassin stories! I am trying to finish it quickly, I want it to be my first book of the new year.:) Tric is somewhat of a mystery to me. That part where Mia put out her cigarillo and spit, meanwhile Tric is thinking “I’m in love.” I was like “ummm…okay. Smoking is nasty and so is spitting, but good luck!” I like Mia though, I want her mom to magically appear and be like guess what I’m alive. That probably (99.9%) won’t happen though.
Oooh, that’s awesome your library has signed copies!! I know there was a pre-order thingie to get a signed copy which I DID NOT DO BECAUSE I AM A WIMP.😂 (Actually I was a little worried I might like it. I mean, I LOVE Illuminae, but I didn’t like Stormdancer…so. #cautious😂)
Bahah, I’m laughing at your Tric and Mia analysis.😂 They are an interesting couple…BUT SO STABBY AND THEREFORE CUTE.
I LOVED Nevernight, and you’re review was amazing! I too want a shadow-cat-that-wasn’t-a-cat. Can I have one PLEEEEEAAAAASSSSE?! I do agree with your thoughts regarding the end bit; I think Mia’s random good-but-bad decision felt more like a ploy to get her in the right (wrong?) place for the final sequence of events which left me feeling rather -blah-. And yeah, the emphasis on beauty rubbed me the wrong way. But the REST was stupendous. People kept asking me what book I was listening to and when I said “Nevernight,” and they inevitably asked me what it’s about I kept responding with “Very stabby stab.” And did not elaborate. There was much confusion.
So glad you liked it!
Oh I definitely agree! If she hadn’t of made that “good” decision in the end, she would probably be dead.😂 So I get why it had to happen, I just wish it hadn’t been so…contrived to get her in the right position? haha. If that makes sense? I mean, it’s still good to know she’s a good person deep down inside. 😉 😂
Saying “very stabby stab” is actually THE PERFECT description. :’)
Great review! I DNF this book. It was absolutely boring and I just couldn’t find any reason to continue reading it. I’m glad I didn’t though, because from reading your review it’s a skip for me. 😅
That’s fair! Not every book is for everyone. 🙂
OH YES YES!! I’M SO GLAD YOU LOVED NEVERNIGHT!!!I LOVED IT TOO!! STABBTASTIC to the core!! Mister Kindly is the cat we all need in our lives <3 Also the footnotes were hilarious <3 I know a lotta people complained about the writing but I actually LOVED it :! <3 And your pictures are gorgeous!! <3
YAAAAS WE ARE TWINS IN THIS. *hi fives* And like where can I get a Mister Kindly? I need one. Desperately. (I lowkey wonder if Mister Kindly is narrating the book.😂 That would make my day.)
Nevernight is arriving TODAY AT MY DOORSTEP and if it doesn’t I shall be very put out. That beibg said now I am even more excited to read it??? But also skeptical??? (Boob job? Face lift? WHAI??) This is the first real review I’ve read for this book and I mys say evn though the dislikes are SUPER WIERD (still can’t get over the boob job and Co? ??) it still seems like it will be an EPIC read. Plus I kind of HAVE to like it since I already have a Mia bookish candle 😂😂😂
Also to answer your question YOU HAVE NOT READ TOO MANY BOOKS. THAT IS LITERALLY IMPOSSIBLE HOW DARE YOU SUGGEST THAT. Buuuut having read more than any other living human being (well, or dragon??) may or may not make lot of books seem less original. Personally I haven’t read a lot of assassin books yet because of my sabbatical from being a human for 3 years and before that I was a small berry who could easily be squashed and probably wasn’t allowed to read books with boob jobs and sexy times. THIS COMMENT IS GETTING REALLY LONG SO I’LL STOP BAII
TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK WHEN YOU READ IT?!? *flings cake at you so you definitely let me know your thoughts* 😂 (But yes, ha, I wish I was joking about the boob job/face lift but THEY ARE LITERALLY IN THERE and it drives me a little bit mad with annoyance.)
I think reading a lot does make things less original just because I’ve seen it a sheer huge amount of times? BUT LIKE BAH, I HAVEN’T READ TO MUCH FOR SURE. Nothing shall stop me devouring all the books of ever. :’)
UM NO WORRIES YOU SHALL KNOW. I am currently reading the Raven Boys (!!!!!!!!!) And then I’m buddy reading Nevernight. I JUST FINISHED ACOMAF AND HAPPENED TO SEE YOU READ ACOTAR BUT NOT THAT AND WHAI?
You must go read my review on goodreads of that book and then decide to immediately read it. I also threw it at my sister’s face an almost killed her because it has over 600 pages butI read literally almost all of it in one day and I am STILL HUNGOVER
Okay tangent over. 😄😄
Now I’m conflicted! I want to read it, but gosh pointless sex scenes are. . . Pointless, obviously. And I’m very sick of the beauty trope too. It drives me crazy. It’s everywhere. CAN WE MOVE ON IN LIFE?! Please. But the book also sounds hilarious and the footnotes too! And can I mention the cover? Because the cover is amazing and the cover is definitely a good reason to read it. *cough* Even though I just said something against the beauty trope, but that doesn’t apply to book covers? RIGHT? (Obviously, I’m conflicted in more than one way here.)
You could probably just skip the sex scenes because nothing plot-crucial happens in them? The beauty trope, however, is everywhere. *rolls eyes*
Thanks, Cait. Thanks a lot. You’ve officially made me want to read this book despite not wanting to read it. When I’d first heard about the novel, I was really excited. Then there was quite a bit of talk on twitter about harmful representation, and despite not being of that background, I knocked it down my TBR list. But you’ve successfully brought it back onto my radar with all of your excitement. I mean I planned to read it sooner or later (with a grain of salt for the rep), but now I like want it now?
I hope you like it! And yes, definitely read the reviews on why it’s problematic if you want! I didn’t mention that in my review purely because I’m confused on the topic. (To my understanding the character who makes racist comments is a villain and dies for it…and villains are bad?? So yeah. But maybe I’m misunderstanding the depth of the problematic elements!)
“Let’s not say things we don’t mean.” Can ANYTHING really be as good as cake?!? Just throwing that out there lol…
And no, it’s not just you. I think the more you read (and also write, too) the less you can be surprised. You smell plots twists a mile off. At least, that’s how it is for me. Once upon a time, I was a carefree grape of innocence and could be delightedly shocked and caught by surprise in the author’s wily traps and twists. Now I’m a curmudgeonly pineapple and am like DUDE YOU BASICALLY TOLD US THAT IN CHAPTER TWO STOP ACTING LIKE THIS IS BIG NEWS WE ALL SAW IT COMING. My guess formula is something like reading = plot foresight to the power of 2 & writing = plot foresight to the power of 5. (These numbers are rough estimates and not to be cited as any scientific calculations) IF YOU DO BOTH YOU ARE HOPELESSLY DOOMED.
IT’S TRUE. WHAT IS AS GOOD AS CAKE = nothing. :’)
And I’m glad I’m not alone with failing to be surprised! I also think it’s a writers curse? Like the more I read, the more I think “okay so what would I do if I was writing this” and I guess a lot of we writers have the same ideas?😂 So it kind of ruins reading a bit, but ALSO makes me feel smart that I called it.😂
YESSS i am so glad that you enjoyed Nevernight Cait! It was one of my favourite books of 2016, but I just couldn’t recommend it you know because of the problematic elements. I’m just in two minds about it! But omg my feels and I loved the footnotes, the brutality and Mia and Mister Kindly. THAT END though, brutal.
That’s totally fair! And I hope I wasn’t offensive in my review by not mentioning them! I am just still a bit confused as to why it’s problematic since the character who made the racist comment was clearly a villain and also died? But maybe I’m misunderstanding the issue…hence I didn’t want to talk about it and say something wrong.
(I want a Mister Kindly. <3)
Ugh, I really wanted to read this but now I don’t think I will because of all the sexual content. Man, I hate it when books do this. (Also you compared it to ToG in that regard so NINETY SHADES OF NOPE.)
Ohhhh NO LISA. This book is definitely one you would not be okay with. Stay awaaaaay.😂
UGGGGHHHHH
I JUST WANT THE STABSTABTSTAB
UUUGGGHHHHHHHH
I really enjoyed Nevernight as well! I think stabbtastic is definitely the perfect term for it 😉 Looking forward to seeing what Mia chooses to do next!
SAME. And this was like so intense and feels-stabbing….what on earth is the next book going to do to us?!
I got bored of the footnotes after a while so I stopped reading them :’) But I love them IN THEORY. And they’re quite good in An Abundance of Katherines. If I ever write a Crispin spin-off you can bet it’ll have copious footnotes.
Ohhh I do like them in An Abundance of Katherines too! I just think I really like footnotes…although I mean, not that you can tell from my posts, right?
OMG YES TO MY CRISPIN STORY HAVING FOOTNOTES THAT WILL BE 10000% PERFECTION. And I think you typo’ed there because you said “if” but it’s supposed to be “when”.😇😇
I AM SO EXCITED TO READ NEVERNIGHT! I’ve been meaning to and it’s been on my TBR for so damn long but I keep putting it off because I’ve heard it’s very long and you have to really get into it to fully enjoy.
I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT!! It is pretty long and can take a bit to get into?? BUT WORTH IT.
Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m not even surprised you liked this so much. Not one bit. Once I saw it was about assassins and that it was YA fantasy AND Jay Kristoff wrote it, my first thought was “OMG Cait is going to love this book.” 😉
This kind of reminds me of Throne of Glass meets Game of Thrones in a way. It’s definitely not something I’d normally read but the fact that you loved it so much makes me want to give it a try even though it’s a bit out of my comfort zone.
Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review! <3
YAS! I’m so happy with it! Except it’s not YA. 😉 Which is fine by me, because I’m starting to really adore adult fantasy!! And yES it had a lot of ToG similarities (not really GoT similarities although I originally thought it might? But not really?) and I’m glad that it didn’t tick me off like ToG did.😂
Oh there it is! I had missed this review, although I was looking forward to it. Had a tough week and my email just clogged up xD
Everything sounds great, except for those sex scenes and the beauty trope D: actually, that’s enough to put me off. I just can’t stand pretty much any sex scenes in a book, and especially when it takes the front seat. No no no D: I’m glad I know about it now! Thanks.