Is there a book that I was more excited for coming out in the first half of 2022? Book of Night is definitely a top contender for that space in an admittedly very crowded field.

Charlie Hall is an (allegedly) retired con-artist and current bartender who’s trying to scrape by. She lives with her sister Posey and her boyfriend Vince, and really just wants to bide her time in relative obscurity. But once a thief, always a thief, and Charlie can’t seem to resist the urge to investigate when things start to go awry. Because there’s been a change in Charlie’s world over the past several decades. Gloamists, once designated to the shadows that they control, have reached a popular consciousness. It turns out people’s shadows have power, and gloamists aren’t the only ones looking to capitalize on this new dominion.

As Charlie and those around her get sucked into schemes larger than they could imagine, she’s got to find a way to protect the people she cares about from the dark forces at work. Both new villains and ghosts from their past are looking to utilize Charlie for their own means, and she’s going to have to dig every skeleton out of every closet in order to unravel why.

I’m staring at the two comps in the synopsis and am just kind of perplexed why they would pick those. Listen, I enjoyed The Night Circus, but I don’t see many similarities at all there. Black doesn’t write the same kind of descriptive, flowery prose as Morgenstern and there’s definitely not anything resembling a magical traveling circus in Book of Night?? I can see where maybe the Ninth House comparisons come from, but even though I also liked that book it was bloated in a way that this one is not.

Book of Night feels like such a departure from what I’ve read of Holly Black before and yet still so distinctly her own. I’m going to cautiously say it reminds me of Sarah J. Maas’ pivot from fae-centered fantasy worlds into a grittier, urban fantasy environment in House of Earth and Blood. I mean this purely in subject matter and focus, not writing, as I think Maas and Black have covered similar sub-genres in the past and now seem to be walking a parallel path once again. But I’m not trying to scare off people who didn’t enjoy Crescent City but loved The Cruel Prince, this is still 100% a Holly Black book.

That said, it’s going to be pretty different from The Folk of the Air trilogy, and not just because it’s about magical shadows ppl that eat blood. Fans of the Cardan/Jude relationship probably won’t be satisfied by the romance in this book, although there is definitely potential for that type of adversarial dynamic if Black decides to do a sequel. I’m also still a little fuzzy on the distinctions between the four types of gloamists and what exactly the power hierarchy is, but that didn’t impede my enjoyment of the story overall.

My best guess is that this is the start of a series. Either that or Black is a bit sadistic. While the story’s arc finishes resolutely by the end of Book of Night, she dangles an enticing set-up for a follow-up right as the dust is starting to settle. I can imagine some people grumbling about the way Black’s decided to leave her characters here, but that kind of seductively unsatisfying ending is my favorite way to leave a book, especially if you’re considering revisiting the story again in the future. Either way, I’m all in on Book of Night and any possible upcoming offshoots.

Wow! Holly Black books have always been on my TBR but I haven't picked any up. I'm so glad I decided to request a copy of Book of Night! I don't read a lot of Urban Fantasy but I always end up loving them. I also tend to have a difficult time getting through world building sections of books but there wasn't a boring moment in Book of Night.

The characters are well developed, the writing is fantastic, and the plot is exciting and original. Highly recommend!

Like many avid fantasy readers my age I grew up devouring Holly Black’s dark fantasy books written for kids and teens. I loved how her works didn’t shy away from the darker side of fairytales, and have kept up with her more current Folk of the Air series which I love to recommend to teens who are into the darker side of fairies. When I heard she was writing her first adult title I was ecstatic, and I was not disappointed when I did get the opportunity to read it.

The Book of Night follows Charlie (the charlatan) after she’s given up her con days, or so she thinks. When the past catches up to her it impacts her even more than she thought it would. Charlie gets wrapped back up with the shadow magic pursuer she previously escaped when she looks into the murder of a customer who was last seen getting a drink at the bar she bartends. Now she’s more involved in shadow magic than she ever wanted to be and her life, and the life of her mysterious boyfriend are in danger.

Holly Black’s excellent storytelling weaves a wonderful story with some fun twists and turns. I am excited to recommend it to people who grew up with Holly Black’s YA and children’s books as well as fans of other dark/paranormal fantasy like Ninth House and The Hazel Wood.

Charlie Hall, former thief extraordinaire of magical artifacts, is trying to walk the straight and narrow but her past and the irresistible thrill of another heist, pulls her back into the gritty and unsavory side of shadow magic. Black did a good job of creating flawed but likeable characters. Each character was searching for something and it was this search that drove the plot. However, the mythology and lore behind shadow magic was lacking and almost seemed like an afterthought. If you're a fan of urban fantasy, which I am not, this might not bother you as much.

4.5 This book!!! To be honest, after reading Queen of Nothing and being disappointed in the ending of the Folk of the Air series, I wasn’t entirely sure how I was going to feel about this book—the premise sounded exciting, but I’d also been excited about QON and been left feeling like the ending was half-formed after finishing the book. With Book of Night, that is not the case. BON is everything great about Holly Black: her wonderful writing, first of all, which absolutely shines on every page; her ability to craft compelling casts of characters, a skill visible in Charlie (one of my new favorite characters I’ve read this year), Vince, and Posey; and her dark, twisting plots that leave readers hanging on the edge of their seats for more. This book encompassed all of that and more. The worldbuilding didn’t feel too confusing or complicated, but it wasn’t simplistic; the characters were just as complex as Jude and Cardan from Folk of the Air, only this time, set in an adult setting that allows Holly Black to truly thrive; and more prominently, the vibe of the book—the dark, shadowy world of the gloamists, the dark magic and the bars—is so incredibly vivid that you can’t help but feel like you’re there, experiencing the events of the story alongside the characters. Most of all, though, what got me so hooked on this book and its characters was the romance. Charlie and Vince are such an interesting, surprising pair, and the plot of their story was unlike anything I’ve ever read. That ending, especially, made me way too emotional. It should be illegal to sweep the rug out from under someone that way, and after I thought they were out of the woods too! Downright cruel, Holly. Overall, this book wasn’t totally five stars, because it took me a second to get my bearings in the story and with the characters and their stories, but this book reminded me just how much I love Holly Black’s works, and I hope to see more adult stuff from her in the future if this is the potential she has as an adult fantasy author.

4.5 stars!

I've read quite a few Holly Black novels and generally enjoy them, but not always for the same reasons as everyone else. For example, I loved The Cruel Prince, but specifically because of the way the book shows the three sisters' very different but equally realistic responses to trauma. (Whereas most people I know loved shipping Jude and Cardan.) I did also love the twists in the series, which I think was fairly universal among those who enjoyed Folk of the Air!

All that to say I've been very curious what her adult debut would be like, and also to note that I'm probably looking for something different than many of her other existing readers who are trying out Book of Night.

Well, folks? I'm pleased to say that Book of Night was wonderful! It was darker and grittier than I expected, and more urban fantasy in vibe. I wasn't sure what to think of the main character at first, but over the course of the novel, I grew to love both her and the LI, which was a huge surprise to me. Overall, it took me some time to get into the story, but I'd say by around 30%, I was completely hooked, and from there I couldn't stop reading. I'm not completely sure I understood the magic, but I tend not to mind that as long as the story works. I loved the way the story went and the way it kept surprising me.

Looking forward to the next installment!

Thank you Tor Books for an early copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I have mixed feelings about this book. The set up was fascinating and the idea of a MC as a conwoman was awesome…but this book had a lot of build up. In the beginning I really didn’t connect with Charlie. She wasn’t a good person and was tough, but she was so prickly there wasn’t much to endure her to me. I honestly almost DNFd this. But I stuck with it and I’m glad I did. About a third of the way is when it takes off. The book excels when Charlie starts breaking the law. By the end I really enjoyed this.

Very enjoyable. This is a fun world and I went into it thinking this would be a standalone, then becoming worried there wasn't enough time to fully explore it. Luckily there IS going to be another. I saw the twist coming, but I still loved it.

There is nothing I love more than a tough, profane, deeply flawed woman who is terribly good at a questionable profession. Smart, brittle, fiercely loyal, as protective of the few people she loves as she is hard on herself, Charlie Hall did not disappoint. The story is dark and gritty but not just for the hell of it. I found it complex and compelling and I really, really loved every minute of it. Claire DeWitt vibes, but make the crimes magical.

Thank you to the publisher and @NetGalley for the E-ARC copy of this book. The rating of this book is entirely of my own opinion. #NetGalley #BookofNight #MustReadFiction

This book has been on my highly anticipated list since I first heard about it, and it surpassed my expectations. Holly Black is a story-telling queen! There has seriously never been a book by her that I haven’t loved and Book of Night is by far my favorite. The characters, the plot, the twists and turns, all perfectly constructed and executed flawlessly. The shadow magic and world is so unique even though it is set in our modern time, which really showcases the talent and imagination of such a great author. I’m hoping and praying that this will be a series and not just a standalone. Charlie Hall easily made it into the top 3 of my favorite heroines ever and I will gladly read this amazing story over and over again. Pre-order this masterpiece so you can read it the day it releases, you won’t regret it!

*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review*

Like all of Holly Black’s stories for me it took a few chapters before I was really into what was happening. Charlie is such a fun character, and I enjoyed learning how she got her reputation and then removed herself from the game. I, like Posey, didn’t really care about Vince and what he was up to until even further along, but by then I was invested. I can’t wait to see more in this universe, and even more about Charlie and where she’s headed (maybe even what Posey is up to, though I found Posey to be a bit selfish). I also want to know more about the Heirophant and Blights in general, but I’m assuming we’ll get to see more as Charlie’s story continues.

When Charlie was sneaking around I found myself worried for her, and worried that she wouldn’t be able to put all the pieces together, but she was always a step or two ahead of me and my thought process. I did find it a bit annoying that we as the reader weren’t told about some of Charlie’s sleight of hand moments until after they’d happened. When she’s revealing her master plan to others shouldn’t feel like that’s the first time we, the reader, is hearing about it also because we were there with her while she was pulling the con. Other than that I had a good time reading and want to learn everything I possibly can about this world and its shadows.


(Side note: Charlie and Posey’s mom wins the “Worst Mother Award” hands down, because who lets their young daughter just wander the streets at night with an adult man and doesn’t ask questions about it?!)

As is usual for Black, a very interesting world without enough done to fully explore it. The protagonist is, charitably, dumb as hell. I get frustrated by Black as a writer, who has such promise and yet never develops her ideas in a satisfying way.

Thank you so much to Tor for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Okay, this was just 👌👌👌

I love Charlie as a character, and especially loved the flashbacks with Rand! Those may have actually been some of my favorite scenes in the book. I loved seeing how Charlie became the person she it.

I don't know if I've read a story with a bartender as the MC, but I really enjoyed it. It set up for some great encounters and some gritty settings. The magic system and the genre bending were fantastic. I loved how dark it was and the morally grey characters. Overall, I really really enjoyed this one, and I hope Holly Black keeps writing adult novels!

This would make for some great television 👀

Honestly, I’ve been sitting on this review for a few days because having just finished the book, Book of Night, I can’t seem to wrap my head around this dark and twisted tale. And that’s seriously how entertaining it is.

Holly Black’s YA books are known to be dark, entertaining, running up to some invisible line and then stepping over it carefully. But this being her first adult book, the line is in the rearview mirror behind her, getting fainter by the minute. I’m all sorts of here for it.

Charlie has a lot of problems as trouble seems to find her, and vice versa. What I love about Charlie is that she is unapologetically herself. She’s strong and makes bad choices, but she does try not to. I mean, A for effort right? She is a great heroine because it’s easy to root for Charlie. Charlie is all the bad decisions you yourself has made, and all the bad decisions you didn’t. So that’s why I like Charlie. You root for the bad one and still hope she wins. Because she’s still not as bad as…
Lionel Salt. Our resident rich sadistic murderer bazillionaire. Can Charlie take him down?
Charlie is also softened by the love and protectiveness she has for her sister, and the slowly creeping on her love she has for her boyfriend Vince. I love seeing these aspects of Charlie because she is more than just a bad decision machine. She does have people she loves and who love her, who she wants to protect and wouldn’t you know it, even bad decisions may lead to good outcomes.

The world is complicated, but entertaining. I liked how the shadows were used and manipulated. I think there’s a lot still to be addressed in the world, but it didn’t dampen my enjoyment of the story at all. The plot was slow in the beginning but about 1/3 of the way, it really picked up and I couldn’t put it down and wait, it’s dinner can you just leave that there on the table I’ll be right down…ok, goodnight.

It’s fun to read Black with a little more dramatic freedom in the adult sphere, letting in a bit more darkness and dark and dangerous characters that probably wouldn’t be seen in her YA realm. It was a good hit of horror and magic and surprisingly, tenderness that Book of Night plays with.

I hope there’s a sequel. I still have a lot of questions.

Thank you for the review copy Netgalley. This is a dark and gritty Urban Fantasy that pulled me in the more I read. I felt a little lost at first (or maybe just had a feeling of directionlessness at the start) but this quickly vanished as the book went on. Overall, I enjoyed the world building and magic system.

While the first half of the book is a little slow going, the mystery picks up after and keeps you turning pages until the end. I found myself very invested in Charlie and Vince, and intrigued by Vince's origin story.

Holly Black does not disappoint with her dark, adult fantasy novel, "Book of Night."

She retains the beautiful and twisted themes she writes so well with Char - part time bartender and all the time sneaky woman - on the edge of finding a safer life after straying perilously close to losing hers. As is always the case, safe only lasts so long and Char is required to pull out her skills as a two-bit con artist to save her skin and find the guy that was making a that life seem like a good idea.

Filled with the kind of detail that made the Modern Faerie tales and the Curse Workers so believable - so much like our every day life with just enough weird to make it plausible - I highly recommend this new adult title for fans of Mercy Thompson and October Daye: interesting magical detail, good plotting, weird magic, a little romance to make it all come together, and then some epic fight scenes to keep it zesty.

So happy to have had this advance reader copy from NetGalley!

Thank you, NetGalley, for an e-ARC of Book of Night by Holly Black.
Book of Night is the first Holly Black book I've read. Working in the youth services area of a public library, I know that she is a well-read author. I was excited to be able to preview her first adult fiction title. The Book Of Night is well-written, contains great suspense, and includes enough twists to make the ending unpredictable. The subject matter and overall gruesomeness of this book made it difficult to read. I was halfway through the novel before I felt invested in the main character and understood the plot. I am glad I read it, but I feel that the genre was not right for me personally.

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience reading this book. It was action-packed, there was so much mystery and intrigue, and quite a few twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. It was slow to start but if you push through the typical set-up you see in fantasy books, you do get quite a bit of pay off. I'm not sure if this will work for everyone as it is compared to Ninth House and I definitely get similar vibes. I know that one didn't work for everyone. However, I loved Ninth House so I enjoyed this too quite a bit. It's much different than her past books (no fae anywhere) but I think this is a great start for her foray into adult urban fantasy. An underrated genre but one I've found myself enjoying more and more lately. I can't wait to see what comes next. Though this isn't listed as a series yet, it better be because that ending was too surprising for no follow up. Hopefully this sequel comes out sooner than Ninth House's.