Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collection
Publication
Del Rey (2022), 320 pages
Description
Charlie Hall has never found a lock she couldn't pick, a book she couldn't steal, or a bad decision she wouldn't make. She's spent half her life working for gloamists, magicians who manipulate shadows to peer into locked rooms, strangle people in their beds, or worse. Gloamists guard their secrets greedily, creating an underground economy of grimoires. And to rob their fellow magicians, they need Charlie. Now, she's trying to distance herself from past mistakes, but going straight isn't easy. Bartending at a dive, she's still entirely too close to the corrupt underbelly of the Berkshires. Not to mention that her sister Posey is desperate for magic, and that her shadowless and possibly soulless boyfriend has been keeping secrets from her. When a terrible figure from her past returns, Charlie descends back into a maelstrom of murder and lies. Determined to survive, she's up against a cast of doppelgñgers, mercurial billionaires, gloamists, and the people she loves best in the world - all trying to steal a secret that will allow them control of the shadow world and more.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member khenkins
I do not leave the light on after reading a horror novel or avoid canines or cars after reading Cujo or Christine, but I was truly creeped out by Book of Night. Holly Black creates a dangerous world full of grimy, nefarious beings, all anchored into the magic of shadows. Black's main character,
As the reader's understanding of the power and evil which can be derived by shadows grows (shadows that can be altered, lost, “sewn” back on, quickened, shadows that can infiltrate, murder), so too do the menacing forces determined to stop Charlie's discoveries. I literally felt menaced myself for the last half of the book.
Charlie is a compelling character since she is an intelligent, wily risk-taker burdened with heavy guilt. She does have a moral compass, one that is more moral, meaning ruthless when necessary, than most in the world of Book of Night. It's not, perhaps, our traditional morality, yet we feel we want her to succeed, protect her sister Posey and her mysterious boyfriend Vince and outwit the nightmarish hold that gloamists and other evils have on her world.
One hundred percent enthralling. Also a well-written, short novel.
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Charlie Hall, fits almost perfectly into this sullied place, being a con and a thief. As the reader's understanding of the power and evil which can be derived by shadows grows (shadows that can be altered, lost, “sewn” back on, quickened, shadows that can infiltrate, murder), so too do the menacing forces determined to stop Charlie's discoveries. I literally felt menaced myself for the last half of the book.
Charlie is a compelling character since she is an intelligent, wily risk-taker burdened with heavy guilt. She does have a moral compass, one that is more moral, meaning ruthless when necessary, than most in the world of Book of Night. It's not, perhaps, our traditional morality, yet we feel we want her to succeed, protect her sister Posey and her mysterious boyfriend Vince and outwit the nightmarish hold that gloamists and other evils have on her world.
One hundred percent enthralling. Also a well-written, short novel.
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LibraryThing member phoenixcomet
Charlie Hall is a thief of shadows. Author Holly Black crafts her first adult fantasy fiction novel as a compelling, engaging novel replete with anti-heroines, mystery, love and intrigue.
"There'd always been something wrong with Charlie Hall. Crooked from the day she was born. Never met a bad
Set in modern times (references to Slack, for instance) and western Massachusetts, Black brings the magical and mystical to life in a contemporary setting that people who know Massachusetts will enjoy. Excellent fun.
"There'd always been something wrong with Charlie Hall. Crooked from the day she was born. Never met a bad
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decision she wasn't willing to double down on." Set in modern times (references to Slack, for instance) and western Massachusetts, Black brings the magical and mystical to life in a contemporary setting that people who know Massachusetts will enjoy. Excellent fun.
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LibraryThing member oceancat
I was very excited to read this book as I have been a Holly Black fan for years. My favorite books of hers are her Curseworkers trilogy and The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, and this book sounded like it had more in common with those than her faerie books, so that also sparked my interest. While I did
The premise of the book and the magic system is what I loved the most. Twenty years before our story begins, the existence of magic is dramatically revealed to the world. The specific type of magic is the "quickening" of one's shadow, which will, if properly cultivated and fed a regular diet of blood, be able to preform amazing feats for the bearer and can even be specialized to do things such as fly. But there is danger in feeding your shadow too much of yourself, that the shadow will become its own creature, even potentially living on after the death of its human as a Blight.
Our protagonist Charlie Hall has a regular non-magic shadow, but she used to be a thief of magical books and references for the gloamist (people with magic shadows) community. She's keeping on the straight and narrow now with a steady job as a bartender and a solid boyfriend named Vince, who is shadowless. Because in this world, people who want quickened shadows can buy them from dealers, who illegally steal them right off of people. Charlie is drawn back into the game when rumor of a book that can make shadows into Blights that can live just like people comes about. There are twists and turns and we get to see a lot of Charlie's childhood and training as a thief and conartist, and the trauma that shaped her and her family.
As I said, I loved the shadow magic, and we get to see flashbacks of a side character quickening their shadow and developing its powers which are really intriguing. Unfortunately I did not love Charlie herself, and the book spends a lot of time in her head. It takes a long time for the plot to get moving, and that time is mostly spent with Charlie thinking about her difficult life and how she was just born to be bad and so on. It felt like it was trying a bit too hard to be a gritty urban fantasy. But despite that, I still enjoyed the book, and once the plot picked up I was much more invested. There are well developed side characters (Vince the enigmatic boyfriend is my favorite) and hints to the ultimate twist which were satisfying to watch build.
All in all, a solid first foray into adult fiction for Holly Black, and I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel (there better be one!)
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
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not love Book of Night the way I love those, it was not a bad read either. I would say it was a solid first attempt at writing a book geared towards adults.The premise of the book and the magic system is what I loved the most. Twenty years before our story begins, the existence of magic is dramatically revealed to the world. The specific type of magic is the "quickening" of one's shadow, which will, if properly cultivated and fed a regular diet of blood, be able to preform amazing feats for the bearer and can even be specialized to do things such as fly. But there is danger in feeding your shadow too much of yourself, that the shadow will become its own creature, even potentially living on after the death of its human as a Blight.
Our protagonist Charlie Hall has a regular non-magic shadow, but she used to be a thief of magical books and references for the gloamist (people with magic shadows) community. She's keeping on the straight and narrow now with a steady job as a bartender and a solid boyfriend named Vince, who is shadowless. Because in this world, people who want quickened shadows can buy them from dealers, who illegally steal them right off of people. Charlie is drawn back into the game when rumor of a book that can make shadows into Blights that can live just like people comes about. There are twists and turns and we get to see a lot of Charlie's childhood and training as a thief and conartist, and the trauma that shaped her and her family.
As I said, I loved the shadow magic, and we get to see flashbacks of a side character quickening their shadow and developing its powers which are really intriguing. Unfortunately I did not love Charlie herself, and the book spends a lot of time in her head. It takes a long time for the plot to get moving, and that time is mostly spent with Charlie thinking about her difficult life and how she was just born to be bad and so on. It felt like it was trying a bit too hard to be a gritty urban fantasy. But despite that, I still enjoyed the book, and once the plot picked up I was much more invested. There are well developed side characters (Vince the enigmatic boyfriend is my favorite) and hints to the ultimate twist which were satisfying to watch build.
All in all, a solid first foray into adult fiction for Holly Black, and I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel (there better be one!)
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member rivkat
Charlie is a thief trying to go straight, with her inexplicably solid boyfriend Vince and her resentful teen sister Posey, who wants to learn magic instead of going to college. Charlie stole from and for magicians but doesn’t want anything to do with magic, but when she encounters the aftermath
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of a shadow murder, her inveterate curiosity and her history mean that she gets in way too deep. Props for the infodumps, both in quality and quantity—the way Black repeatedly gets Charlie into position to plausibly overhear instruction on basic elements of life after magic became public knowledge (twenty years ago) is worth reading for all on its own. Figured out the twist (the one that would elude Charlie until much nearer the end) about halfway through, which is where I suspect I was supposed to. Show Less
LibraryThing member N.W.Moors
Holly Black's first adult fantasy involves a world of shadow magic. There are four types of gloamists, or people who can manipulate their own or others' shadows: Alterationists, Carapaces, Puppeteers, and Masks. Although they've existed forever, people only became aware of them generally in very
Our protagonist, Charlie Hall, works with gloamists in her capacity as a thief and pickpocket, stealing tomes and other gloamist tools for profit, though she's given it up recently to work as a bartender. She lives with her boyfriend Vince and her sister Posey who wants to become a gloamist. It's a complicated world where people steal others' shadows. Shadows can feed on their owners and eventually become Blights.
Ms. Black has built a unique setting for her urban fantasy. I've always enjoyed her YA books, but honestly, I expected the Maas approach to YA-to-adult writing which seems to just include more sex and swearing. THIS IS NOT THAT - AT ALL. This is a fully-realized fantasy with extremely interesting characters in a complex world and magic setting.
Charlie is, at heart, a loser. Oh, she tries hard to do the right thing but doesn't usually succeed. The con in her just finds that side of life more interesting. I love Charlie with all her flaws and street smarts. Vince is her boyfriend, mostly because he pays half the rent and is easy to get along with. The other characters are interesting and well-written. They're all pretty much morally gray if not just evil, but that's the world Charlie lives in.
The story starts out slow which is fine because I needed to acclimate to the magic system. It also alternates chapters to the pasts of young Charlie and Vince as the picture builds to what's at stake here. The real-world setting is western Massachusetts and the college/mill towns along the Connecticut River which helps supplement the urban feel of the story.
I can honestly say that I had no idea where the story was going most of the time and right up to the last page. There are so many twists of the kind that once revealed made me shake my head that I didn't see it coming. This is a stand-alone book though I believe there will be others coming in the series - and I am down for them. They will be automatic pre-orders because this is one of the best books I've read in a while.
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recent times.Our protagonist, Charlie Hall, works with gloamists in her capacity as a thief and pickpocket, stealing tomes and other gloamist tools for profit, though she's given it up recently to work as a bartender. She lives with her boyfriend Vince and her sister Posey who wants to become a gloamist. It's a complicated world where people steal others' shadows. Shadows can feed on their owners and eventually become Blights.
Ms. Black has built a unique setting for her urban fantasy. I've always enjoyed her YA books, but honestly, I expected the Maas approach to YA-to-adult writing which seems to just include more sex and swearing. THIS IS NOT THAT - AT ALL. This is a fully-realized fantasy with extremely interesting characters in a complex world and magic setting.
Charlie is, at heart, a loser. Oh, she tries hard to do the right thing but doesn't usually succeed. The con in her just finds that side of life more interesting. I love Charlie with all her flaws and street smarts. Vince is her boyfriend, mostly because he pays half the rent and is easy to get along with. The other characters are interesting and well-written. They're all pretty much morally gray if not just evil, but that's the world Charlie lives in.
The story starts out slow which is fine because I needed to acclimate to the magic system. It also alternates chapters to the pasts of young Charlie and Vince as the picture builds to what's at stake here. The real-world setting is western Massachusetts and the college/mill towns along the Connecticut River which helps supplement the urban feel of the story.
I can honestly say that I had no idea where the story was going most of the time and right up to the last page. There are so many twists of the kind that once revealed made me shake my head that I didn't see it coming. This is a stand-alone book though I believe there will be others coming in the series - and I am down for them. They will be automatic pre-orders because this is one of the best books I've read in a while.
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LibraryThing member Verkruissen
So shadow magic is a thing in the present day world and the people who practice it are known as gloamists. Charlie aka the Charlatan has been practicing being a con/thief from an early age and has thus found herself often on the wrong side of the law. Determined to stay out of trouble she works as
I found Charlie to be a tough likeable character that you definitely root for throughout the book. I didn't really care for her sister Posey who just seemed whiney and more juvenile than her age which seemed to be in her early 20's.
The ending had a few very unexpected twists and definitely left some unanswered questions but I've heard this was a stand alone so maybe we just have to imagine our own solutions to the questions left for the reader. I personally am hoping for more to this book. This was classified as an adult read but I think young adult could enjoy it as well. There's nothing too spicy going on, just some violence and gore.
Overall a good book for those who enjoy mysteries and want something on the urban supernatural side.
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a bartender at a bar that also serves as place for the gloamists to do business as well as some other shady goings-on. Probably not the best place to be employed but her past doesn't give her many options. As you would imagine trouble comes looking for Charlie. I found Charlie to be a tough likeable character that you definitely root for throughout the book. I didn't really care for her sister Posey who just seemed whiney and more juvenile than her age which seemed to be in her early 20's.
The ending had a few very unexpected twists and definitely left some unanswered questions but I've heard this was a stand alone so maybe we just have to imagine our own solutions to the questions left for the reader. I personally am hoping for more to this book. This was classified as an adult read but I think young adult could enjoy it as well. There's nothing too spicy going on, just some violence and gore.
Overall a good book for those who enjoy mysteries and want something on the urban supernatural side.
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LibraryThing member Tip44
It starts off slow, gloomy, and the main character is hard to love. All of this is totally worth it for the ending!! Wow, I was NOT expecting the twists and turns in the later part of the book.
LibraryThing member Black-Lilly
This was fun, even if it was a bit predictable and slow at times.
I appreciated the ending, hopefully this will stay a stand alone book, otherwise it will be ruined.
I appreciated the ending, hopefully this will stay a stand alone book, otherwise it will be ruined.
LibraryThing member BethYacoub
~~~~~ 3.5 Stars ~~~~~
Holly Black... oh Holly Black, how I cherish your slightly twisted, incredibly talented, beautiful mind!! If you aren't aware of Holly Black's greatness then I suggest you jump into any of her works and get to know her because she is well worth the time and effort!!
NOW let's
The bigger questions (and yes, there are a LOT of questions) are: What the heck ARE these Shadows? What, exactly, can they do? Why doesn't Vince have a shadow? Was his shadow stolen, a plain old robbery? OR was it taken away to strip him of Magic he (might have) had? Does he still have magic even without his shadow? Is his aloofness the result of losing his Shadow or is it a sign of a past he wants to keep hidden?
Speaking about the Magic... the Magic System seemed like a nebulous sort of concept. Besides knowing that Shadows are involved, I'm a bit lost... What exactly can they do? What gives Shadows the ability to do/bestow magic? It was partially explained (piecemeal), we were privy to some things but other areas we were left wondering or filling in the blanks with our imagination. Things like: How exactly does the Magic work? Where does it come from? See... I told you there were a lot of basic questions and there are even more within the body that I'm not listing because... you know... spoilers. Anyway, to let you know, I'm the type of reader that enjoys a little more detail on such major plot devices. Soooo... the rating reflects that and a few other (minor) grievances. I am, unbelievably, giving one of my favorite authors a not so stellar rating. Ooph!
BUT there are some highlights. The style and Feel of the writing was solid. Holly Black could write a cookbook and I'd buy it. AND know that that statements' a ringing endorsement because I can't/don't want to cook for the life of me... I could burn water.
Now that cliffhanger I have alluded to... the last few chapters, and especially the final twisty reveal, were crazy. I can't believe that Mrs Black dropped that bombshell on us and then bounced... leaving us with a "What The F Am I Supposed To Do With THIS Knowledge?"... mucking up my headspace, leaving more questions than answers.
Overall:
This book was... decent but not up to Mrs. Black's normal awesomeness. I am seriously conflicted (and kind of disappointed). I was SUPER excited to get my hands on this (audio)book. I pre-ordered and waited (not so patiently). I wanted to love it like I love her other work but it was just Meh.
There were battles:
- Good (solid) Writing vs Poor Character Development.
- Good (unique) Overall Plot vs Bad Magic System Explanation
- Good Twisty Turns vs Bad Twisty Cliffhanger Ending
- Good Eventual Story Redemption vs (a lot of) Bad Pacing
Back and forth, back and forth... this is why I flip flop with my praise and condemnation.
My final 2 cents are:
If you're looking for one of Holly Black's tried and true shining Mojo masterpieces then you might be a bit disappointed here. BUT, on the otherhand, this was a solid, well written, nicely narrated (audio)book with a unique plot and at least one truly awesome character. I wanted to love it, I expected to love it but it was just Okay so now it goes into the Mediocre pile... such a shame.
~ Enjoy (or don't)
Holly Black... oh Holly Black, how I cherish your slightly twisted, incredibly talented, beautiful mind!! If you aren't aware of Holly Black's greatness then I suggest you jump into any of her works and get to know her because she is well worth the time and effort!!
NOW let's
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get into THIS book. I listened to this on Audible (not a paid for endorsement) and I believe that it is 100% the correct way to experience this book!! Without the narrator, Sara Amini's skillful performance, I'd never have been able to get through the poorly paced spots. She brought vibrancy and variety to this gritty, YA, Urban, Magically Realistic Fantasy. So kudos to her. BUT, unfortunately, the Book of Night is NOT a good representation of Holly Black's abilities to weave a compelling, addictive story (something she's usually proficient in).This book was sloooow to start. It did manage to find its pace... eventually. You need to have patience because this sloooow burn is, ultimately, worth sticking around for (especially because of the plot twist at the very end). Yes, the characters are a little flat... except Vince... he's THE best!! He not only steals the spotlight, he also ends up being the key attraction. He's the keeper of the strings that hold the whole story together. Thank the literary Gods for him (and Charlie's humanly gray morals and actions) or else this sluggish tale would have no umph... no je ne sais quoi. The bigger questions (and yes, there are a LOT of questions) are: What the heck ARE these Shadows? What, exactly, can they do? Why doesn't Vince have a shadow? Was his shadow stolen, a plain old robbery? OR was it taken away to strip him of Magic he (might have) had? Does he still have magic even without his shadow? Is his aloofness the result of losing his Shadow or is it a sign of a past he wants to keep hidden?
Speaking about the Magic... the Magic System seemed like a nebulous sort of concept. Besides knowing that Shadows are involved, I'm a bit lost... What exactly can they do? What gives Shadows the ability to do/bestow magic? It was partially explained (piecemeal), we were privy to some things but other areas we were left wondering or filling in the blanks with our imagination. Things like: How exactly does the Magic work? Where does it come from? See... I told you there were a lot of basic questions and there are even more within the body that I'm not listing because... you know... spoilers. Anyway, to let you know, I'm the type of reader that enjoys a little more detail on such major plot devices. Soooo... the rating reflects that and a few other (minor) grievances. I am, unbelievably, giving one of my favorite authors a not so stellar rating. Ooph!
BUT there are some highlights. The style and Feel of the writing was solid. Holly Black could write a cookbook and I'd buy it. AND know that that statements' a ringing endorsement because I can't/don't want to cook for the life of me... I could burn water.
Now that cliffhanger I have alluded to... the last few chapters, and especially the final twisty reveal, were crazy. I can't believe that Mrs Black dropped that bombshell on us and then bounced... leaving us with a "What The F Am I Supposed To Do With THIS Knowledge?"... mucking up my headspace, leaving more questions than answers.
Overall:
This book was... decent but not up to Mrs. Black's normal awesomeness. I am seriously conflicted (and kind of disappointed). I was SUPER excited to get my hands on this (audio)book. I pre-ordered and waited (not so patiently). I wanted to love it like I love her other work but it was just Meh.
There were battles:
- Good (solid) Writing vs Poor Character Development.
- Good (unique) Overall Plot vs Bad Magic System Explanation
- Good Twisty Turns vs Bad Twisty Cliffhanger Ending
- Good Eventual Story Redemption vs (a lot of) Bad Pacing
Back and forth, back and forth... this is why I flip flop with my praise and condemnation.
My final 2 cents are:
If you're looking for one of Holly Black's tried and true shining Mojo masterpieces then you might be a bit disappointed here. BUT, on the otherhand, this was a solid, well written, nicely narrated (audio)book with a unique plot and at least one truly awesome character. I wanted to love it, I expected to love it but it was just Okay so now it goes into the Mediocre pile... such a shame.
~ Enjoy (or don't)
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LibraryThing member Hccpsk
Holly Black’s adult debut Book of Night has some issues, but readers looking for a solid dark, magical fantasy book in the vein of Leigh Bardugo and Neil Gaiman could do a lot worse. Charlie Hall wants to be a better person, and with a new boyfriend and a real job she succeeds for a while, but
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eventually, her thief nature comes back and gets her in a lot of trouble. Black flashes back for a few chapters to give backstory and keeps the action moving at a rapid pace throughout the rest. A lot of characters, a little predictable, and an obvious setup for a series bring it down, but still a satisfying read. Show Less
LibraryThing member oldandnewbooksmell
Trigger Warnings: abuse, death, torture, drug use
Charlie Hall is a low-level con artist who lives in a world where shadows can be altered, for entertainment and cosmetic preferences and also to increase power and influence - shadows can hold all the parts of you that you want to keep hidden.
So I actually haven’t read anything by Holly Black before, but I kept hearing good praise for this book and wanted to give it a go. It didn’t disappoint! What a crazy, fast paced story about a crazy world where your shadows can be manipulated and used for power.
I would kind of forget this was a fantasy book while reading it. It felt like a murder mystery type of thing - until someone’s shadow was used to try and kill someone else…
The only reason I didn’t give this 5 stars is because I wish Charlie had a bit more of a happier ending! She’s had such a tough life and I thought maybe it would be the start of something better for her, but it’s not exactly the direction I wanted for her… Though it does leave it open for all kinds of possibilities
Overall, I really enjoyed this dark, clever, unpredictable shadow bending universe that Holly Black has created. Will there be another book following this? I don’t know - the ending left you questioning but at the same time, it would go either way. If there is one, I will be sure to be grabbing it up for sure!
*Thank you Tor and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Charlie Hall is a low-level con artist who lives in a world where shadows can be altered, for entertainment and cosmetic preferences and also to increase power and influence - shadows can hold all the parts of you that you want to keep hidden.
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Charlie is an overnight bartender who is trying to distance herself from her past life, especially after a night she was nearly killed. But when a terrible figure from her past returns, Charlie has no choice but to be thrown back into the chaos.So I actually haven’t read anything by Holly Black before, but I kept hearing good praise for this book and wanted to give it a go. It didn’t disappoint! What a crazy, fast paced story about a crazy world where your shadows can be manipulated and used for power.
I would kind of forget this was a fantasy book while reading it. It felt like a murder mystery type of thing - until someone’s shadow was used to try and kill someone else…
Overall, I really enjoyed this dark, clever, unpredictable shadow bending universe that Holly Black has created. Will there be another book following this? I don’t know - the ending left you questioning but at the same time, it would go either way. If there is one, I will be sure to be grabbing it up for sure!
*Thank you Tor and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
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LibraryThing member jmchshannon
Book of Night, the newest novel from the consistently excellent Holly Black, is as mysterious as shadow itself. Or, at least, that is what I thought after first reading it. Now, I believe I did not appreciate what Ms. Black accomplished with her novel. Most of this is my fault, as I can look back
Book of Night is a novel that needs and deserves your undivided attention. It is not a complicated story, but there is a complexity that requires a little more from a reader than usual. When the characters in a novel can make themselves look like someone else and when something as subtle as a shadow moves, you need to pay attention.
Even though I did not give Book of Night my undivided attention, I still enjoyed the story. Ms. Black does what she does best, presenting Charlie in all her morally ambiguous glory in a world where there is no such thing as a hero. It is a novel that I want to read again to appreciate better the nuances of the story and Ms. Black’s very gray world.
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and admit I was not in the right headspace for the book. I spent too much time trying to understand Charlie and her world that I got lost among the weeds.Book of Night is a novel that needs and deserves your undivided attention. It is not a complicated story, but there is a complexity that requires a little more from a reader than usual. When the characters in a novel can make themselves look like someone else and when something as subtle as a shadow moves, you need to pay attention.
Even though I did not give Book of Night my undivided attention, I still enjoyed the story. Ms. Black does what she does best, presenting Charlie in all her morally ambiguous glory in a world where there is no such thing as a hero. It is a novel that I want to read again to appreciate better the nuances of the story and Ms. Black’s very gray world.
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LibraryThing member bookczuk
2022 pandemic read. First book I've read by this author, and her first venture outside of YA. Interesting concept involving shadow life. Took place in the Berkshires, a place I love and want to get back to. HAdn't realized it was actually part of a series, but Charlie and her world interest me
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enough that I'll probably pursue more in the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member jennybeast
I wouldn't ordinarily review a book that I only read a short part of, but I'll keep forgetting and try to pick it up again if I don't, because Holly Black has long been a favorite author of mine. I suspect that this is a really great book if you can get into Charlie's anti-hero angst. I didn't, and
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I don't seem to have the patience for a slow unspooling. Not my cup of tea. Show Less
LibraryThing member Glennis.LeBlanc
The feel of this book reminded me a bit of Curse Workers with the main POV character having a history of running cons. Charlie is trying to go straight and currently working as a bartender it never seems to work out in the long term. Everyone knows what she can do for them, and they all want her to
Digital review copy provided by the publisher through Edelweiss
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do it. People manipulate and steal shadows in order to do magic. Things start rolling back into that life when she sees the dead body of a bar patron and gets curious about his death. The next thing she knows she is attacked and then saved by her boyfriend doing things she didn’t know he could do. Charlie has kept secrets about the cons she ran in her past and her boyfriend has never spoken about why he no longer has a shadow but all of that will be revealed during the book. The story universe was interesting but overall I never really cared about Charlie. She has done what she has in order to get by and help her sister but then she can also be cut corners when she didn’t have to. She admits in the book that she has self-sabotaged herself her whole life and maybe at some point things might change but then the ending of the book isn’t what she wanted to happen. Digital review copy provided by the publisher through Edelweiss
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LibraryThing member RandyMorgan
Charlie Hall is reformed and wants to continue to make honest money. Currently she is a bartender with an apartment and a boyfriend. Trouble seems to thrive off Charlie Hall, especially when one can manipulate shadows.
Shadows maintain the pieces of you that you don’t want to manage. People
The Book of Night was a refreshing read. Holly Black created a world of magic and mystery. There are some surprising twists at the end which I really enjoyed. Sadly, this book ends with a cliffhanger and the next book is expected to be published in 2023.
Shadows maintain the pieces of you that you don’t want to manage. People
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practice shadow manipulations for many purposes: cosmetic, entertainment, and influence. This has created a black market for knowledge on shadow manipulation.The Book of Night was a refreshing read. Holly Black created a world of magic and mystery. There are some surprising twists at the end which I really enjoyed. Sadly, this book ends with a cliffhanger and the next book is expected to be published in 2023.
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LibraryThing member StefanieGeeks
Disappointing in that it never really took off. I'm so used to a great payoff in Holly Black's books but this one fell flat. It hinted at romance at the beginning, but never gave in even though there were two people in love. It hinted at mystery but the big reveal wasn't at all surprising. The
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audiobook was read well, but could not save this stale story. Show Less
LibraryThing member spiritedstardust
4.25
I enjoyed this book - I liked the main character (Vince was a bit flat though), the story, the writing.
The magic was a bit vague and I hated the word "gloamists". But otherewise it was engaging.
I enjoyed this book - I liked the main character (Vince was a bit flat though), the story, the writing.
The magic was a bit vague and I hated the word "gloamists". But otherewise it was engaging.
LibraryThing member the1butterfly
One day maybe I'll see Holly Black and I will fan-girl so hard that I will simply collapse but maybe I'll get a word in as the ambulance is coming (I mean I assume she'd call an ambulance if someone collapsed in front of her). Yes, it is very cool having these stories set locally. Yes, she comes up
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with unique ways of portraying different types of myths and magic. Yes, I'm interested in her characters even though they're so different from me. Yes, I'd like a sequel to this story, though I have no idea what that would look like. Show Less
LibraryThing member Araskov
I wanted to enjoy this so much more than I did and it's of no fault to the author.
Diving into this story, I found myself getting 'Shameless' vibes as our protagonist is trying to live the straight and narrow after a life that's dealt her a bad hand. Although, she chose to keep that lifestyle going
Charlie is a brave, badass. There is probably a more eloquent way to put that, but it's true and I can't apologize for it.
The concept of this story was very unique and intriguing. I just wasn't being gripped by it the way I should have been. (It's not you, it's me.)
There's murder, heists, and magic - all of which entangle into Charlie's life of cons. The twists and turns that come along in our journey had me craving all the answers, along with the desire for a peaceful ending. (Wishful thinking, you know.)
If I'm being honest, the character I was most attached to was Charlie's plain old shadow.
Diving into this story, I found myself getting 'Shameless' vibes as our protagonist is trying to live the straight and narrow after a life that's dealt her a bad hand. Although, she chose to keep that lifestyle going
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beyond the available changing point, so it leaves little room for pity.Charlie is a brave, badass. There is probably a more eloquent way to put that, but it's true and I can't apologize for it.
The concept of this story was very unique and intriguing. I just wasn't being gripped by it the way I should have been. (It's not you, it's me.)
There's murder, heists, and magic - all of which entangle into Charlie's life of cons. The twists and turns that come along in our journey had me craving all the answers, along with the desire for a peaceful ending. (Wishful thinking, you know.)
If I'm being honest, the character I was most attached to was Charlie's plain old shadow.
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LibraryThing member lyrrael
I don’t know how to rate this book. Half of it was mediocre, half of it was great, it ramped up so slowly, and I’m going to read the sequel. What?
LibraryThing member decaturmamaof2
So weird yet so compelling... Charlie Hall is a great character. Hope she comes back for another story...
Awards
Dragon Award (Winner — Fantasy Novel — 2022)
LibraryReads (Monthly Pick — May 2022)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2022-05
Physical description
320 p.; 9.45 inches
ISBN
1529102375 / 9781529102376
Local notes
Charlie Hall has never found a lock she couldn't pick, a book she couldn't steal, or a bad decision she wouldn't make. She's spent half her life working for gloamists, magicians who manipulate shadows to peer into locked rooms, strangle people in their beds, or worse. When a terrible figure from her past returns, Charlie descends back into a maelstrom of murder and lies.
Waterstones exclusive edition, signed by the author with stars and moon stencilled on the page edges.
Waterstones exclusive edition, signed by the author with stars and moon stencilled on the page edges.