by Holly Black
In a version of our world where magic pools in darkness, those with quickened shadows must decide if the magic is worth the cost. Can Charlie resist the pull of the unknown? Let’s find out.
Read if you like: dark fantasy, urban fantasy, magic, mysteries, heists, fringe characters, testing limits, self-acceptance, and morally grey characters.
Charlie Hall attracts trouble in all forms. She breaks everything she touches. Destruction is what she creates best. A skilled thief and grifter she is trying, and failing, to turn her life around for herself and her little sister. But trouble won’t leave her alone. And her sister is fascinated with the shadow world and would do almost anything to get some magic for herself. Little does Charlie know some of that magic has her in its sights. What will she have to sacrifice to save her sister and from an indominable force? Or will she give in to her own dark side?
I’m left not knowing what to feel about this book. The fact that there will be a sequel makes me feel better. But better than what… I’m not sure.
Here’s what I do know. Book of Night is beautiful, dark, broody, introspective, magical, mysterious, and anticipatingly bleak. Its consuming something that you know is just not going to have a truly happy ending, but you’re still hoping that it’s not all terrible and that at least a little bit of good comes from all the struggle. It was a bit slow for me. I needed more struggle. Which sounds crazy. Even as someone who absolutely lives for character development, I just needed something… some THING to happen. There were a lot of necessary flashbacks but I just kept waiting for “the moment” when the action/caper or whatever would begin. Or when Charlie would have a definitive moment of clarity or purpose and could stop being so dang wishy washy and self-defeatist. She’s a truly great character… but she doesn’t talk to or connect with anyone on more than a shallow level because of her crazy past. And I get it, I appreciate it, but I needed more movement.
Again, the fact that there is another book makes me feel a little more settled. Because while I didn’t expect rainbows and hearts, I also didn’t expect such an abrupt ending that added to my general ambiguity in processing this book. But I still have high hopes that there is much muchness in store for Charlie Hall and she’s only beginning to understand where she is headed. Give me more Holly Black… so much more.
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