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Available
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Publication
Ace (2014), 432 pages
Description
"In the hallowed halls of Oxford's Merlin College, the most talented--and highest born--sons of the Kingdom of Britain are taught the intricacies of magickal theory. But what dazzles can also destroy, as Gray Marshall is about to discover... Gray's deep talent for magick has won him a place at Merlin College. But when he accompanies four fellow students on a mysterious midnight errand that ends in disaster and death, he is sent away in disgrace--and without a trace of his power. He must spend the summer under the watchful eye of his domineering professor, Appius Callender, working in the gardens of Callender's country estate and hoping to recover his abilities. And it is there, toiling away on a summer afternoon, that he meets the professor's daughter. Even though she has no talent of her own, Sophie Callender longs to be educated in the lore of magick. Her father has kept her isolated at the estate and forbidden her interest; everyone knows that teaching arcane magickal theory to women is the height of impropriety. But against her father's wishes, Sophie has studied his ancient volumes on the subject. And in the tall, stammering, yet oddly charming Gray, she finally finds someone who encourages her interest and awakens new ideas and feelings. Sophie and Gray's meeting touches off a series of events that begins to unravel secrets about each of them. And after the king's closest advisor pays the professor a closed-door visit, they begin to wonder if what Gray witnessed in Oxford might be even more sinister than it seemed. They are determined to find out, no matter the cost.."--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member RoseCrossed
This book was such a 'me' book. I loved all the scholars in it, the Latin and references to other ancient languages.
It took me about 50 pages to start getting into the book, but it's well worth that investment. The writing style is beautiful, and once I adjusted to it, I just flew through the
It took me about 50 pages to start getting into the book, but it's well worth that investment. The writing style is beautiful, and once I adjusted to it, I just flew through the
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book. The characters were well-developed and the plot was fascinating. I actually laughed a few times during this book as well. Plus, the set-up for the next novel is perfect! We get closure, but also get to look forward to the next tale. Show Less
LibraryThing member cissa
In this alternative historical Britain, there is magic, intrigue and plots within plots, and even a runaway queen and missing princess!
I loved it, and found it very difficult to put down; it even kept me up a couple of nights longer than I ought to have allowed it to. That's pretty rare for me
I loved the richness of the characters. Even fairly minor ones clearly had their own agency- their own plans, reactions, and thoughts. None were just cogs in the plot machine.
And that is somewhat amazing, because the plot is intricate indeed, even including vital aspects that depend on who knew what and when.
Highly recommended for anyone who likes alternative history with magic- in a vaguely Regency Britain without Napoleon-- and complex characters and plotting. I am eagerly anticipating receiving the second book in the series!
I loved it, and found it very difficult to put down; it even kept me up a couple of nights longer than I ought to have allowed it to. That's pretty rare for me
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these days, and I value books that can do that!I loved the richness of the characters. Even fairly minor ones clearly had their own agency- their own plans, reactions, and thoughts. None were just cogs in the plot machine.
And that is somewhat amazing, because the plot is intricate indeed, even including vital aspects that depend on who knew what and when.
Highly recommended for anyone who likes alternative history with magic- in a vaguely Regency Britain without Napoleon-- and complex characters and plotting. I am eagerly anticipating receiving the second book in the series!
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LibraryThing member Mishker
In an alternate England there is a story about a Queen who escaped from the clutches of King Henry XII at midnight with her baby daughter, the Princess in tow. The Queen was never seen again...
Meanwhile, at Oxford's Merlin College for those that are magically inclined, student Gray Marshall finds
The Midnight Queen was a good story, but had a slow start that I didn't see where it was going until about a third of the way in; after that this book was everything that I love. I think it would have helped if the prologue was the escaped Queen's story rather than Gray getting into a fight. Anyway, I love that it was set in an alternate England where some people had a talent for magic and where a King Henry XII existed. I ended up loving Gray and Sophie, but it took a while. They are both a little strange, but that just makes them perfect for one another. Sophie also ended up being a stronger character than I thought, so it wasn't just a story of a rescued girl, but a girl helping to rescue herself. The intrigue in the story grows once all the plot points are set out and schemes are set into motion, then there is a good story of trying to prevent a murder, a lost princess and magic being found.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Meanwhile, at Oxford's Merlin College for those that are magically inclined, student Gray Marshall finds
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himself in a bit of trouble after he is sent out on a midnight errand that ends with a death. Gray is taken away to Professor Callender's home and is told that he is being kept safe there. Gray feels an ominous presence about the Callender's home, and he has been unable to use his magic there. He has been assigned the task of a gardener and feel's more like a prisoner than a guest. The one good thing about the Callender's is the Professor's awkward but endearing daughter, Sophie. When Sophie and Gray realize that Professor Callender might be involved in a dangerous plot, they escape in the night with plans to stop him. The Midnight Queen was a good story, but had a slow start that I didn't see where it was going until about a third of the way in; after that this book was everything that I love. I think it would have helped if the prologue was the escaped Queen's story rather than Gray getting into a fight. Anyway, I love that it was set in an alternate England where some people had a talent for magic and where a King Henry XII existed. I ended up loving Gray and Sophie, but it took a while. They are both a little strange, but that just makes them perfect for one another. Sophie also ended up being a stronger character than I thought, so it wasn't just a story of a rescued girl, but a girl helping to rescue herself. The intrigue in the story grows once all the plot points are set out and schemes are set into motion, then there is a good story of trying to prevent a murder, a lost princess and magic being found.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member anneb10
Graham "Gray" Marshall is a student at the prestigious Merlin College at Oxford. Bullied by his professor, the lanky young magician stutters his way through his lessons. Agreeing to help some of Professor Callender's teachers pets on an errand leads to heartache. Given little choice after the death
Here he meets Sophie Callender, the Professor's middle daughter. She is enamored of magic, though she's known her whole life she is talentless. Taking pity on this downcast student of her father's, she befriends him. Their friendship allows both to blossom: Gray tutoring Sophie in Magical Theory and growing into the man he should be under her regard.
Circumstances conspire to overtake them as the Professor is involved with a plot concerning the British Royal Family. Taking Sophie's younger sister and their guardian along, they flee for England ahead of pursuit. On the journey, Sophie's natural talent finally manifests itself and another great secret is uncovered. In London, Gray and Sophie make allies and grow in both talent and love. But will they be able to save the King and be together?
I absolutely loved this book. Every time I had to put it down, I looked forward to picking it up again. Set in an alternate history Regency period where things happened considerably differently - Roman gods are worshipped, for example. This reads a great deal like Dickens with magic. A truly fantastic debut, any fan of Mary Robinette Kowal and her Glamourist History series would enjoy this book.
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of a friend, Gray spends his summer vacation at the Professor's estate in what would be Brittany, tending the garden and doing other menial tasks.Here he meets Sophie Callender, the Professor's middle daughter. She is enamored of magic, though she's known her whole life she is talentless. Taking pity on this downcast student of her father's, she befriends him. Their friendship allows both to blossom: Gray tutoring Sophie in Magical Theory and growing into the man he should be under her regard.
Circumstances conspire to overtake them as the Professor is involved with a plot concerning the British Royal Family. Taking Sophie's younger sister and their guardian along, they flee for England ahead of pursuit. On the journey, Sophie's natural talent finally manifests itself and another great secret is uncovered. In London, Gray and Sophie make allies and grow in both talent and love. But will they be able to save the King and be together?
I absolutely loved this book. Every time I had to put it down, I looked forward to picking it up again. Set in an alternate history Regency period where things happened considerably differently - Roman gods are worshipped, for example. This reads a great deal like Dickens with magic. A truly fantastic debut, any fan of Mary Robinette Kowal and her Glamourist History series would enjoy this book.
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LibraryThing member anyaejo
3.5 stars. I was in the perfect mood for the writing of The Midnight Queen but it definitely isn't fast-paced or action-packed. The writing is at times elegant and fun but other times clunky and difficult to follow. I don't read straight historical fiction but get the impression that the writing
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fits that genre better with fantasy elements thrown in. The characters were fine, the romance cute and blissfully drama free. Show Less
LibraryThing member Kris_Anderson
I just finished reading The Midnight Queen by Sylvia Izzo Hunter. It is the first book in the Noctis Magicae series (historical fantasy sort of book). Gray Marshall (has powerful magic) is a student at Oxford’s Merlin College (in an alternate England). He is coerced into a midnight errand with
Sophie was always told that she has no magical ability. Then one day she gets very angry and her magic just busts out (thankfully only Amelia was home and not the Professor). Turns out that someone had spelled the house and property with an interdiction spell (put a damper on her magic). That is why Grey was unable to do big magic (only little magic like lighting candles could be done). Sophie (who turns out to have strong magical abilities—even stronger than Gray) finds out from Mrs. Wallis (the housekeeper/cook and so much more) that there is something Sophie does not know (it’s big). Professor Callender is not her biological father (there is more). Sophie’s mother was a queen (I bet you can guess what kind). Sophie, Gray, Mrs. Wallis, and Joanna (Sophie’s little sister) all flee during the night to escape from Professor Callender (he will not handle Sophie finding out about her magic very well). They set out for England. They know the Professor is up to something nefarious and they are going to put a stop to it. Sophie needs to learn to control her magic as well. Can the four of them stop the Professor from trying to kill the head of Merlin College? What else is he planning and who are his co-conspirators besides Viscount Carteret (because Professor Callender cannot be the mastermind)?
I found The Midnight Queen to be a very slow paced book (slower than snails). I did not think this book would ever end (I may have skimmed a little). I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars. I like the idea, but not the final book. It just goes too slow and it is very confusing. The writing is awkward and stilted. The book does not flow easily (makes it hard to read). My favorite character was Joanna, Sophie’s little sister (she was lively and entertaining).
I received a complimentary copy of The Midnight Queen from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
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some fellow students that go awry. Gray ends up disgraced (even though he really did nothing wrong) and without the ability to use magic (though he does overhear a conversation and Gray thinks something sinister is afoot). His tutor, Professor Appius Callender (a pompous blowhard) orders him to take his Long Vacation at his home (more like keep an eye on him). Gray is put to work in the gardens and treated terribly by the Professor and his eldest daughter, Amelia. Gray meets Sophie Callender, the middle daughter. She is very welcoming and kind to Gray. They contrive to spend time together and soon Gray is helping Sophie understand magical texts (the Professor is against women learning about magic). After a visit from Viscount Carteret (an advisor to the Kind), things start to go downhill. Sophie was always told that she has no magical ability. Then one day she gets very angry and her magic just busts out (thankfully only Amelia was home and not the Professor). Turns out that someone had spelled the house and property with an interdiction spell (put a damper on her magic). That is why Grey was unable to do big magic (only little magic like lighting candles could be done). Sophie (who turns out to have strong magical abilities—even stronger than Gray) finds out from Mrs. Wallis (the housekeeper/cook and so much more) that there is something Sophie does not know (it’s big). Professor Callender is not her biological father (there is more). Sophie’s mother was a queen (I bet you can guess what kind). Sophie, Gray, Mrs. Wallis, and Joanna (Sophie’s little sister) all flee during the night to escape from Professor Callender (he will not handle Sophie finding out about her magic very well). They set out for England. They know the Professor is up to something nefarious and they are going to put a stop to it. Sophie needs to learn to control her magic as well. Can the four of them stop the Professor from trying to kill the head of Merlin College? What else is he planning and who are his co-conspirators besides Viscount Carteret (because Professor Callender cannot be the mastermind)?
I found The Midnight Queen to be a very slow paced book (slower than snails). I did not think this book would ever end (I may have skimmed a little). I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars. I like the idea, but not the final book. It just goes too slow and it is very confusing. The writing is awkward and stilted. The book does not flow easily (makes it hard to read). My favorite character was Joanna, Sophie’s little sister (she was lively and entertaining).
I received a complimentary copy of The Midnight Queen from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
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LibraryThing member Ayanami_Faerudo
It is very... formal and proper.
LibraryThing member kmartin802
This fantasy set in an alternate history Britain has a romance and a treasonous plot. Gray Marshall is a poor scholar at Merlin College when he is embroiled in a plot set up by his pompous and conniving tutor Professor Appius Callender. Merlin College is a place where young men study magic. Gray is
When things go wrong on the Professor's errand, Gray finds himself spelled and in a box room where he overhears the Professor and another man plotting to commit murder. He also finds himself accused of the death of one of the other young men sent on the errand. The Professor brings Gray to his estate in Breizh where he treats Gray like a servant. Gray does meet Callender's three daughters. Amelia is the oldest and is a brainless ninny who runs the household. Sophie is the middle daughter who has been sneaking around trying to teach herself magic by reading her father's books. The youngest daughter is fourteen-year-old Joanna.
When Gray finds Sophie trying to learn magic, he offers to teach her. A friendship is formed between the two of them as are the seeds of a romance. Although her father has insisted the neither she nor her sisters have any magic, Sophie can do things. After one explosion of temper, Sophie's magic breaks out. That and further information about the conspiracy to kill the king, forces Gray and Sophie to flee to try to find a way to protect the king. The Callender's housekeeper Mrs. Wallis and Joanna flee with them and Sophie learns a surprising secret about herself.
Despite Gray's estrangement from his family, he can depend and his sister Jenny who has married a noble from Breizh. Together with Gray's former tutor Master Alcuin, the group tries to find a way to save the king, uncover the plot and plotters, and keep Sophie safe from Professor Callender.
The story is exciting and engaging and the romance is well-done. I enjoyed this story very much.
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a gifted scholar and has the ability to turn into a large grey owl.When things go wrong on the Professor's errand, Gray finds himself spelled and in a box room where he overhears the Professor and another man plotting to commit murder. He also finds himself accused of the death of one of the other young men sent on the errand. The Professor brings Gray to his estate in Breizh where he treats Gray like a servant. Gray does meet Callender's three daughters. Amelia is the oldest and is a brainless ninny who runs the household. Sophie is the middle daughter who has been sneaking around trying to teach herself magic by reading her father's books. The youngest daughter is fourteen-year-old Joanna.
When Gray finds Sophie trying to learn magic, he offers to teach her. A friendship is formed between the two of them as are the seeds of a romance. Although her father has insisted the neither she nor her sisters have any magic, Sophie can do things. After one explosion of temper, Sophie's magic breaks out. That and further information about the conspiracy to kill the king, forces Gray and Sophie to flee to try to find a way to protect the king. The Callender's housekeeper Mrs. Wallis and Joanna flee with them and Sophie learns a surprising secret about herself.
Despite Gray's estrangement from his family, he can depend and his sister Jenny who has married a noble from Breizh. Together with Gray's former tutor Master Alcuin, the group tries to find a way to save the king, uncover the plot and plotters, and keep Sophie safe from Professor Callender.
The story is exciting and engaging and the romance is well-done. I enjoyed this story very much.
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LibraryThing member ashleytylerjohn
Started reading this, but stopped 2/3 of the way through because more exciting books crossed my path. A few months later, I just couldn't bring myself to pick it up. It hadn't grabbed me while I was reading it the first time, and during the interregnum I had managed to forget everything that had
There's good forgetting, where I sink into a book as a kind of fever dream, like the last half of The Last Unicorn, and then delightedly get to read it again without recalling the ending, but this was bad forgetting, where the plot and characters were so grey and lackluster that no amount of mental effort could bring them to mind again. I should just read something else instead. Perhaps it was too much of a romance novel for me? I can't remember!
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s). (less)
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happened, and to whom, and where, and why, and anything else. There's good forgetting, where I sink into a book as a kind of fever dream, like the last half of The Last Unicorn, and then delightedly get to read it again without recalling the ending, but this was bad forgetting, where the plot and characters were so grey and lackluster that no amount of mental effort could bring them to mind again. I should just read something else instead. Perhaps it was too much of a romance novel for me? I can't remember!
(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s). (less)
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LibraryThing member allison_s
I would have read this so much sooner had I known it was alternate-Regency era! I assumed it was going to be like Discovery of Witches T____T (It's much better!)
Slow-burn romance and really nifty alternate history world-building with Britain still worshiping Roman, Breton, and Celtic gods.
Already
Slow-burn romance and really nifty alternate history world-building with Britain still worshiping Roman, Breton, and Celtic gods.
Already
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have book 2 on order! Show Less
LibraryThing member quondame
A magical Britain which has maintained Normandy and other western European territories - which seems mostly early 19th century but with almost no description of dress. Reticules and tails are about the only period specific items to set it apart from 17th or 18th century, as lack of trains set it
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apart from mid to late 19th century. Sympathetic main characters and amusing associates make this an enjoyable read, though the pacing seems more slow than measured. Show Less
LibraryThing member dmturner
A well written fantasy, with a good sense of history and place and some very appealing characters. Its pace lags in the latter half and the danger the characters are in is perhaps not strong enough, but it is readable and charming.
LibraryThing member whatsmacksaid
Life is too short to stick with boring stories. DNF at page 115. There was nothing wrong with the story, or the characters, there was just no tension, either.
LibraryThing member The_Literary_Jedi
DNF’d
I really wanted to like this book and I gave it a good bit of way into it before I officially DNF'd it due to lack of anything remotely interesting happening.
Everything was flat, monotone, and lacked any vibrancy. The situation of a midnight rendevous that goes wrong and the common (re:
I really, really, really wanted this to be a good book but it was just so flat that I couldn't bring myself to read the whole thing.
**All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
I really wanted to like this book and I gave it a good bit of way into it before I officially DNF'd it due to lack of anything remotely interesting happening.
Everything was flat, monotone, and lacked any vibrancy. The situation of a midnight rendevous that goes wrong and the common (re:
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poor) scholarship student getting chucked in disgrace because he was involved while the rich boys don't - not appealing. The tropic "women are too fragile/stupid/vapid/emotional/dull" to learn magic business - not appealing. High-ranked man's daughter secretly doing things behind his back - basic. Clandestine meetings the protagonist overhears - not used well enough. Disgraced poor male student being the catalyst to a female character "awakening" - boring and not used well.I really, really, really wanted this to be a good book but it was just so flat that I couldn't bring myself to read the whole thing.
**All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
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LibraryThing member kcollett
Gray has to leave Oxford after being blamed for an unfortunate incident; he has to stay at his unpleasant tutor’s country house, where the Professor’s three daughters live, but starts to realize that something is wrong with the situation there. Alternate history of Europe, British Isles.
I
I
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think I like the book even better on rereading (12/2016). Show Less
LibraryThing member murderbydeath
Imagine a spin on a Cinderella type fairy tale, mashed up with the Magic of Merlin, the mythology of Greece, Norse and the Romans with a gratuitous nod to Christianity and Judaism, set in an alternate UK/France and you'd have a good idea of The Midnight Queen.
I'm pretty sure this is meant to be a
Still, it was an enjoyable read and I'd recommend it to anyone with an affinity to fairy tales.
I'm pretty sure this is meant to be a
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YA targeted story, but the writing works well enough to be argued either way. It's pure fantasy, and it was entertaining. When I was reading it, it was easy to lose myself in the story. I didn't rate it higher because when I wasn't reading it, I didn't feel compelled to go back to it, which means, for me, that the characters failed to make me feel invested in their outcomes. Still, it was an enjoyable read and I'd recommend it to anyone with an affinity to fairy tales.
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LibraryThing member chavala
Really enjoying this series.
First, the world-building: an alternative England, feels like Regency Era maybe, where Roman and Celtics gods are worshipped and magic is enough of a force that there is a whole school of Oxford dedicated to it. This is a really fun and creative alternative history!
Then,
First, the world-building: an alternative England, feels like Regency Era maybe, where Roman and Celtics gods are worshipped and magic is enough of a force that there is a whole school of Oxford dedicated to it. This is a really fun and creative alternative history!
Then,
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the story. An Oxford scholar gets mixed up in political intrigue and meets a young woman with a hidden past - hidden even to her. Together, they are more than the sum of their parts. Adventures ensue. Kept me up late more than once, and I'm immediately on to book two. Show Less
LibraryThing member stefferoo
This book would be perfect for readers looking for a well-balanced blend of fantasy with a historical fiction-type setting, overlaid with a story laced with a heavy dose of the kind of chaste, slow-burn romance one might find in a traditional Regency novel.
Graham Marshall – Gray to family and
Even though he was told none of the Callendar girls were born with any magical talent, Gray senses something strange about Sophie. Because proper women studying magical theory is considered scandalous in their society, Sophie has been secretly learning it herself from the books in her father’s library. She’s delighted to meet Gray, finding him very different from the pretentious and foppish young men her father usually invites home from the college, and is grateful when he offers to fill in the gaps in her knowledge. The two of them strike up a friendship, and so when astounding revelations are revealed about Sophie’s past, Gray is wrapped up in the whirlwind of events. And here he was, thinking his life was complicated!
From page one, I was drawn in by the gorgeous writing. Admittedly, it can be somewhat difficult to get used to. Clunky and awkward in some places, it’s not exactly what I would call easy on the eyes, with a style and tone suited to the historical era. But it’s extremely effective when it comes to setting the mood, and once you adapt to it, the reading goes much faster and smoother.
The novel’s greatest strength is the characterization. Gray and Sophie take center stage, and the whole book is told through their perspectives, which alternate back and forth – a lot. Again, it can be distracting, at least initially. The author jumps between Sophie and Gray whenever it suits her, so that sometimes you can get a few paragraphs of Gray’s point of view and then abruptly we would switch to Sophie as she picks up the narrative. Regular readers of romance are probably used to this, but it was something else I had to adjust to at the beginning.
After getting the hang of things, it was easier for me to simply sit back and soak in the story. It bears emphasizing again that the characters are just great in this; because the relationship between Gray and Sophie are so integral to the story, it makes sense to establish and build upon them early, and that’s what we get here. Before Gray and Sophie can get to know each other intimately, the reader has to get to know them as individuals, which makes their eventual coming together that much more satisfying. As I mentioned before, theirs is a slow-burn romance (the kind where everyone around them can see what’s going on before the two can even admit it to themselves) so if you’re looking for instant gratification, this is not the book you’re looking for. We’re also not talking fiery passion or red hot love scenes here, keeping things clean and proper with good manners!
The heavy focus on G+S notwithstanding, that’s not to say the other characters were forgotten or underdeveloped. In fact, my favorite character was a supporting character, Joanna Callendar, who probably has more personality in her little finger than her sister Sophie had in her whole body. Sad to say, as much as I liked Sophie, she was an idealized character, a special snowflake that came across just a little too perfect in a lot of ways, and that makes her less interesting than the spunky, lippy and slightly insolent Joanna.
By the same token, plot is probably not this novel’s strong suit. A lost princess, a prophecy foretelling the return of “The One” and the pivotal role they play in the fate of a monarch and the kingdom...it’s a little clichéd, perhaps, but it’s also not a negative if you go in knowing what to expect. This book is obviously more interested in telling Gray and Sophie’s story, it makes its intention loud and clear right from the start, and so a lighter, less original plot is something I could overlook.
Bottom line: The Midnight Queen is a very beautiful, very atmospheric novel about young love, slow-going at times, making it feel like very little happens while the author develops the two characters. You can probably predict the outcome of the story with no effort at all, but the emotional payoff is worth it if you stick around and give the book a chance to let Gray and Sophie to resolve their feelings for each other. Recommended for fantasy lovers who want romance, but who also won’t mind the slower, sweet-and-tender but also more subtle approach.
Graham Marshall – Gray to family and
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friends – finds himself out of favor at Merlin College when a midnight errand goes terribly wrong, landing himself and a couple friends in the infirmary while another boy loses his life. Disgraced, Gray is sent away to the summer home of the arrogant and unpleasant Professor Appius Callendar until such time the college can decide his fate. It’s there that Gray has the pleasure of meeting the professor’s middle daughter Sophie, who for some reason Professor Callendar seems to neglect and disdain. There’s certainly no love lost between father and daughter.Even though he was told none of the Callendar girls were born with any magical talent, Gray senses something strange about Sophie. Because proper women studying magical theory is considered scandalous in their society, Sophie has been secretly learning it herself from the books in her father’s library. She’s delighted to meet Gray, finding him very different from the pretentious and foppish young men her father usually invites home from the college, and is grateful when he offers to fill in the gaps in her knowledge. The two of them strike up a friendship, and so when astounding revelations are revealed about Sophie’s past, Gray is wrapped up in the whirlwind of events. And here he was, thinking his life was complicated!
From page one, I was drawn in by the gorgeous writing. Admittedly, it can be somewhat difficult to get used to. Clunky and awkward in some places, it’s not exactly what I would call easy on the eyes, with a style and tone suited to the historical era. But it’s extremely effective when it comes to setting the mood, and once you adapt to it, the reading goes much faster and smoother.
The novel’s greatest strength is the characterization. Gray and Sophie take center stage, and the whole book is told through their perspectives, which alternate back and forth – a lot. Again, it can be distracting, at least initially. The author jumps between Sophie and Gray whenever it suits her, so that sometimes you can get a few paragraphs of Gray’s point of view and then abruptly we would switch to Sophie as she picks up the narrative. Regular readers of romance are probably used to this, but it was something else I had to adjust to at the beginning.
After getting the hang of things, it was easier for me to simply sit back and soak in the story. It bears emphasizing again that the characters are just great in this; because the relationship between Gray and Sophie are so integral to the story, it makes sense to establish and build upon them early, and that’s what we get here. Before Gray and Sophie can get to know each other intimately, the reader has to get to know them as individuals, which makes their eventual coming together that much more satisfying. As I mentioned before, theirs is a slow-burn romance (the kind where everyone around them can see what’s going on before the two can even admit it to themselves) so if you’re looking for instant gratification, this is not the book you’re looking for. We’re also not talking fiery passion or red hot love scenes here, keeping things clean and proper with good manners!
The heavy focus on G+S notwithstanding, that’s not to say the other characters were forgotten or underdeveloped. In fact, my favorite character was a supporting character, Joanna Callendar, who probably has more personality in her little finger than her sister Sophie had in her whole body. Sad to say, as much as I liked Sophie, she was an idealized character, a special snowflake that came across just a little too perfect in a lot of ways, and that makes her less interesting than the spunky, lippy and slightly insolent Joanna.
By the same token, plot is probably not this novel’s strong suit. A lost princess, a prophecy foretelling the return of “The One” and the pivotal role they play in the fate of a monarch and the kingdom...it’s a little clichéd, perhaps, but it’s also not a negative if you go in knowing what to expect. This book is obviously more interested in telling Gray and Sophie’s story, it makes its intention loud and clear right from the start, and so a lighter, less original plot is something I could overlook.
Bottom line: The Midnight Queen is a very beautiful, very atmospheric novel about young love, slow-going at times, making it feel like very little happens while the author develops the two characters. You can probably predict the outcome of the story with no effort at all, but the emotional payoff is worth it if you stick around and give the book a chance to let Gray and Sophie to resolve their feelings for each other. Recommended for fantasy lovers who want romance, but who also won’t mind the slower, sweet-and-tender but also more subtle approach.
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LibraryThing member funstm
This was really good. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the plot. Sophie was fierce. I liked her determination to learn and how supportive Gray was of that. Particularly his acceptance, encouragement and approval of her being stronger in her magic than him. I enjoyed the slow burn of their
Overall this was a well written historical fantasy with strong and likable characters and an enchanting plot. Solid 4 stars.
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relationship and the fact that they seemed to really get to know each other. I liked that they had lots of discussions about magical theory and childhoods and dreams and aspirations. Gray was such a kind character - more concerned with the wellbeing of his loved ones than himself. I loved his relationship with Sophie but also his existing relationship with Jenny and his developing bond with Joanna. It was really sweet. Joanna was hilarious. She was so outspoken and brash and had the best lines. I enjoyed the plot. The whole adventure/quest of uncovering a royal conspiracy was cool. This isn't as fast paced as most of the more recent fantasy novels, but I enjoyed the return to the classic slow and steady build up of the quest and the unfolding of the adventure. I really liked the chapter names - they had me chuckling to myself. There was no cliffhanger and although part of a series, could easily be read as a standalone. The plot is nicely wrapped up and the characters are left happily ever after. Overall this was a well written historical fantasy with strong and likable characters and an enchanting plot. Solid 4 stars.
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Language
Original publication date
2014
Local notes
Gray’s deep talent for magick has won him a place at Merlin College. But when he accompanies four fellow students on a mysterious midnight errand that ends in disaster and death, he is sent away in disgrace—and without a trace of his power. He must spend the summer under the watchful eye of his domineering professor, Appius Callender, working in the gardens of Callender’s country estate and hoping to recover his abilities. And it is there, toiling away on a summer afternoon, that he meets the professor’s daughter, Sophie Callender, who longs to be educated in the lore of magick.