Member Reviews
A very interesting read. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this book. It wasn't really for me, but I am sure that it will be loved by the right audience.
the cover is stunning, first off! I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but It was extremely interesting and hooked me almost immediately! The fmc and mmc are both strong individuals on their own and have a great sense of pride in keeping everything around them 'together.' I like how the story was paced; it didn't feel rushed or too slow. In the end, I think it came together nicely I cried, I laughed, I smiled!
Bring Me Your Midnight
3/5 Stars
Summary from Goodreads: From the New York Times bestselling author of The Nature of Witches and Wild is the Witch comes a lush romantic fantasy about forbidden love, the choices we make, and the pull between duty and desire.
Tana Fairchild’s fate has never been in question. Her life has been planned out since the moment she was born: she is to marry the governor’s son, Landon, and secure an unprecedented alliance between the witches of her island home and the mainlanders who see her very existence as a threat.
Tana’s coven has appeased those who fear their power for years by releasing most of their magic into the ocean during the full moon. But when Tana misses the midnight ritual—a fatal mistake—there is no one she can turn to for help…until she meets Wolfe.
Wolfe claims he is from a coven that practices dark magic, making him one of the only people who can help her. But he refuses to let Tana’s power rush into the sea, and instead teaches her his forbidden magic. A magic that makes her feel powerful. Alive.
As the sea grows more violent, her coven loses control of the currents, a danger that could destroy the alliance as well as her island. Tana will have to choose between love and duty, between loyalty to her people and loyalty to her heart. Marrying Landon would secure peace for her coven but losing Wolfe and his wild magic could cost her everything else.
There were so many great elements to Bring Me Your Midnight, but it was also written in such a way that it felt really drawn out and I had a hard time staying engaged throughout the book. I really liked the island and the fantasy and Wolfe/what he had to bring, but Tana and the government/the rulers of her coven just felt half written in my mind and there were times that I was left looking for more information to really understand what was going on/why things were happening. Even the magic system left me a little confused. And the size of the island- how can a whole colony of people be living unknown to most of the inhabitants/the main land? Overall though, it was a decent read- there were some really fun things about it, so I would definitely tell y'all to pick it up if you think the summary is interesting!
This book was just wonderful. I adore Rachel Griffin's writing and she didn't let me down this time. She is just so lyrical and the story really pulled me in this time. I am not usually a romantasy person but this was wonderful.
Thank you for the galley - I really appreciate it.
Rachel Griffiths' Bring Me Your Midnight starts with the promise of a fresh take on New Adult and YA Urban Fantasy. The setting is intriguing, and the female main character (MC) seems poised for a unique growth arc that could break free from the genre's typical patterns. However, the story ultimately falls short of delivering something truly distinctive.
The romance is at the center of the plot, and unfortunately, it follows familiar tropes. The MC’s journey boils down to the same love triangle dynamics, the same romantic choices, and the same portrayal of love as a fluttery feeling sparked by a kiss. While this may appeal to readers looking for a predictable and comforting narrative, those hoping for a departure from the genre’s well-trodden paths will likely feel disappointed.
On the positive side, the book does an excellent job of maintaining suspense. The uncertainty about the story's resolution kept me engaged, and for much of the narrative, I held onto hope that it might deliver a surprising twist or a refreshing character arc. However, by the end, it felt like just another romance-driven fantasy novel—a solid execution of a formula, but not one that stands out in a crowded genre.
If you’re looking for a novel that doesn’t challenge the conventions of YA Urban Fantasy but delivers a well-paced, romantic story, Bring Me Your Midnight might be a good fit. However, readers craving innovation or a unique exploration of character growth may want to look elsewhere.
An absolute pleasure of a witchy story! Rachel Griffin has done it again, and I will always read what she writes. Such a heartfelt, emotional, and atmospheric story about a young girl who defies her family to follow her heart.
Bring Me Your Midnight tackles environmentalism in a more fantastical way while delving deeper into a forbidden romance.
Rachel Griffin does it again, combining a witchy story with environmental undertones, but this time, stepping away from a more urban and contemporary world and delving into the fantasy.
Thoughtful Storytelling
Griffin is probably one of my new favorite authors. She is an automatic buy for me because I love the witchy aspect of her storytelling. However, Griffin also discusses environmentalism in all her books in a way that doesn’t feel forced. It feels like an incredible story that leaves the reader feeling thoughtful.
Here, we’re following Tana, who lives on the island off the coast of the mainland. She is part of a community of witches who all practice small magics to keep the fear of them at bay.
Basically, their island is a tourist attraction for the mainlanders. Well, every month on the full moon, the witches have to expel all that unused magic, and they do that by pouring it into the ocean.
Tana misses this event, lured by Wolfe and a moonflower. Wolfe helps her use her magic in ways forbidden while also learning about the damage she and her coven are doing to the ocean. They are to blame for the oceans’ unruly temperament and their island’s erosion. But they do not want to change their ways.
Tana has to choose between the safety of her community by marrying into the mainland or the safety of her home by using all the facets of her magic.
It’s a thrilling story, heightened by the romance aspect.
The deepening bond between Wolfe and Tana is steamy and slow-burning, so well done. Wolfe doesn’t hide who he is, and he pushes Tana to accept this very integral part of herself: the magic she loves and the magic that embraces her. With him, she is whole, and not because he completes her, but instead, he allows her to complete herself without feeling shame.
Final Thoughts
Bring Me Your Midnight was such a great read. The Nature of Witches is still my favorite. However, this is a very close second.
Bring Me Your Midnight by Rachel Griffin is an enchanting, magical read that totally swept me up! The story follows Vesper, a witch with the power to control the night, but it comes with a heavy price. She’s been hiding her magic and avoiding attention, but when her world gets turned upside down and she gets caught in a deadly battle between dark forces, she has to decide who she can trust, and how far she’s willing to go to protect the ones she loves.
What I really loved about this book is how immersive the world-building is. The magic is so unique, and Vesper’s struggle to control her powers adds a lot of depth to the story. The way the night is woven into her identity is so cool and mysterious. Vesper is such a strong character, she’s tough but also kind of broken, and it’s really easy to connect with her journey.
There’s a slow-burn romance too, but it doesn’t overshadow the action and magic, which is great. The tension between the characters keeps things interesting, and the plot twists will keep you hooked. The pacing is spot on, with just the right balance of suspense and emotional moments.
This book had me absolutely enchanted.
I haven’t loved a YA fantasy like this in … well ever. This beautiful story of magic, love, and family secrets takes the top spot in that genre.
“Bring Me Your Midnight” features a forbidden romance between Tana and Wolfe, an outcast with a mysterious past, and a magical world where loyalty and duty are tested. With its blend of fantasy, romance, and high stakes, this story will have you yearning for truth and chasing that coveted happy ever after.
I absolutely loved this book! It was lush and full of gorgeous world building. Rachel does an excellent job of creating characters that seem so real. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
This had everything! An awesome enemies to lovers story and magic! I love how everything was connected to witches. Tana really struggles with wanting to be an individual and capable of making her own choices or loyalty to her mother and her coven. I loved the island gothic setting and it really feels like the plot and characters were completely fleshed out and real
Thank you Sourcebooks for the earc in exchange for an honest review!
I loved the world building in this story and the witchy politics. I loved that magic wasn’t a secret and could be out in the open. I also really loved that Mother Nature had so much play and power and presence in this story, because that’s where witches and their magic are allegedly based from and sometimes that gets forgotten. Griffin creates a beautiful story web that captures readers in its clutches and refuses to let go until the very end.
Filled with magic, forbidden romance, and hidden truths, Bring Me Your Midnight weaves in powerful themes of female empowerment and environmental preservation. While the love triangle adds swoony moments to the romance, the true heart of the story lies in Tana's personal growth as she wrestles with balancing duty and the life—and love—she truly desires.
Though set in a fantastical world, the story explores relatable themes like living up to expectations, experiencing first love, losing a best friend, and rebuilding broken relationships. This beautifully crafted *romantasy* offers a compelling mix of heartfelt emotion, rich storytelling, and meaningful messages. Perfect for fans of smart, absorbing reads!
This book was such a surprise! I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but once I got hooked, I couldn’t put it down. Bring Me Your Midnight by Rachel Griffin is a beautifully crafted romantic fantasy exploring forbidden love, duty, and desire—complete with a hint of a love triangle. We follow Tana, whose fate has always been set in stone; she’s destined to marry the governor’s son to secure an alliance between the witches on her island and the mainlanders. The rich world and intriguing magic system were what really drew me in, and the setting felt so immersive and easy to follow. There’s a touch of political intrigue woven in, but it’s approachable and adds depth to Tana’s story. Overall, I really enjoyed this enchanting read and can’t wait to check out more of Griffin’s work! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"The most beautiful things are wild."
I actually really enjoyed this. This felt a bit YA, but I didn't mind it. It's about love, sacrifice, friendship, and truth. If I say anything else, I'd give the story away lol
Rachel Griffin will always be an auto buy for me! If you want a really well written witchy book, look to any of hers for sure. So beautifully written, and the characters drew me right in, as always.
I have really enjoyed Rachels other books and this was no different. She has a way of writing that is so captivating and makes you fall in love quickly. Overall, this wasn’t my favorite book from her but it was still really good.
I will always love Rachel Griffin’s worlds and her beautiful words. Every single one of her books is woven in magic, love, decisions, and passion. This will be one of my favorites of hers and was the perfect weekend binge read!
Read if you like:
🌊 the ocean
🥰 forbidden love
🪄 magic
🌎 politics
🫂 female friendships
🌶️ no spice
I haven't read a Rachel Griffin book I haven't liked. This one was a little darker then usual but still really enjoyable.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for an ARC of Bring Your Midnight by Rachel Griffin. I have read Griffin's other 2 books and loved them. This book was just as wonderful. I love her writing style and magic systems. The world Tana lives in is beautiful. I felt fully immersed in this story. I enjoyed the slow burn, sweet love story.
I will be purchasing this for our high school library.