For two weeks in December, I lived and breathed North is the Night. With its gripping blend of history (the early years of Sweden’s occupation of Finland – c. 1150) and fantasy, I was utterly enthralled.

The story starts with a bang when Aina is captured by a goddess of death and taken to Tuonela, the realm of the dead. Siiri sets out on a quest to bring her beloved friend back from the underworld, no matter the cost. As she faces dangerous setbacks, Aina is tormented by the cruel whims of the Witch Queen. She finds herself caught in the machinations of goddesses of Tuonela and, unable to trust anyone around her, draws on her own strength and compassion to survive the nightmare. Meanwhile, their beloved homeland is falling to invaders and zealots who seek to demolish their beliefs in the old ways.

I adored Siiri and Aina, both so richly drawn. Parted from Siiri, Aina found her own strength and used her cleverness to navigate her captivity in Tuonela. Siiri was forced to recognize her own rashness and learn patience as she sought aid from a legendary shaman. They clung to their love and devotion to one another for both comfort and motivation to persevere.

Rath’s worldbuilding was exquisite. Rooted deeply in Finnish mythology (with some creative license), I was transported to the frigid winter in medieval Finland and the realm of Tuonela where the darkness reigns and the goddesses of death wreak havoc. Rath’s use of the Kalevala (the national epic of Finland) has me itching to do a deep dive into all matter of Finnish folklore and more of the mythological characters I came to know throughout the story.

I switched back and forth between reading and listening to North is the Night and it was a perfect mix. In both forms, I was able to conjure vivid images of Tuonela, Väinämӧinen, the raven and the bear, while listening allowed me to hear all the Finnish names and words pronounced so beautifully. I’m already tempted to do a full re-read on audio just because the narration and production was so stellar.

I’m not a fantasy reader but I am a fan of Emily Rath and that was enough to make me pick up North is the Night. And I’m so glad I did. The world was rich and vivid while the story was dark, thrilling, and utterly compelling. With themes of friendship and love, courage and sacrifice, and the conflict of paganism vs Christianity, North is the Night captivated me and instantly became a favorite read of 2024.

An adventure! My first Fantasy inspired by Finnish mythology, and I am excited to read onto the 2nd book in the series! The author has a talent for creating detailed setting that feels vivid while reading. The main characters Siri and Aina were characters that were strong willed and I loved how the book alternated between their point of views. Chapters ended with a lot of dynamic parts, then switched point of view, and that contrast always left me wanting to read and read on! Loved the index/glossary in the beginning of the book so that I could reference it when I came across a certain mythological character or Finnish element, it provided an ease of reading to be able to reference. Very intriguing characters/gods and as in depth and complex as classic greek mythology. Well done!

This book was okay, it just really felt like it was missing something. It did have me hooked, I just honestly wanted a little more from it

North is the Night is a fantasy that had an excellent premise but unfortunately fell flat. This is Emily Rath's first fantasy book and it was a decent first try. You can tell Rath put a lot care into the Finnish Folklore, and did a really good job of creating this wintery cold atmosphere.

Where this story falls flat is for a few reasons. The first being that this book is too long and really dragged until about the 70% mark, the story really could have used some tightening. Second, I needed more from the Sapphic love story and I would hope this gets explored in the book, but we really don't get to see that come to fruition until the very end of the book and even then it feels one sided on Siiri's part.

I will be picking up the sequel to see if any of this gets addressed and overall this was fine. A good attempt at fantasy from an author who writes why choose hockey romance.

As a fan of Emily Rath's other works, I loved this. It is completely different than anything I've read from her. Since I had already read some reviews on this title, I feel like I had accurate expectations going into this.
I found the Finnish folklore intriguing and really enjoyed exploring Tuonela, the underworld. I can't wait for book 2 to see how this all comes together.

When I was young, I absolutely LOVED reading mythology, learning about gods and goddesses and mythical creatures and quests--Greek, Roman, Norse, but I have never encountered Finnish mythology, so I was very intrigued by this book and looked forward to reading it! However, I was a bit intimidated when I saw the huge list of characters and complicated names when I first started the book, wondering how I was going to keep everything straight. I needn't have worried though, because as soon as I began reading, the story sped to life and I was along for the ride! The various gods, goddesses, characters were explained throughout the journey, so I didn't need to worry about referring or memorizing the character list and their voices were distinct enough for them to be easily distinguished from one another. I loved that the story alternated between the two best friends, Sirri and Aina, and centered on universal themes of love, grief, loss, seeking a better life, family, friendship, romantic love and soulmates. The writing was beautiful and descriptive, and although the story had a fulfilling and satisfying ending, I look forward to hopefully more stories of their saga and I also look forward to reading more from this author.

I really enjoyed this Finnish romantasy based on their version of the Hades/Persephone myth. Full of female friendship, romance, shape shifting animal familiars, witches and so much more. It was a perfect winter read and I can't wait to get my hands on what is sure to be a GORGEOUS limited hardcover edition!! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy by a new to me author in exchange for my honest review! This is perfect for fans of authors like Genevieve Gornichon.

The Finnish folklore was the highlight of this story. The world-building, mythology, and folklore were great. Rath’s writing style is incredible, and the characters are well-developed. I eagerly await Book Two!

North Is The Night is the first book in a folklore inspired duet by Emily Rath called The Tuonela Duet. The story is about two finish best friends named. Siiri and Aina. One day while they’re salting the fish for their families, a monster kidnaps Aina and Siiri witnessed it all. growing up and especially lately. She’s heard talk in the village of missing girls that are kidnapped and brought to the underground, but never did you think it would be her one and only best friend. She soon sets off to find her and bring her home, but the underground is the one place no one ever comes back from alive with the exception of one man in history who people aren’t even sure really existed. i’m not going to get into their separate very long stories because this book is almost 20 hours long, if it’s not it definitely felt like it. I really liked the tone of the story and I really liked the two girls and they’re separate journeys, but they were a lot of things in the book a found hard to believe but as the book is so long, I’m not going to mention them here. Just know if you like sci-fy fantasy stories you may like this book but I don’t think I will be reading the next one. #NetGalley, #KensingtonBooks, #EmilyWrath, #NorthIsTheNight,

North is the Night is book one in a Finnish folklore-inspired fantasy duology. There are two female main characters, Siiri and Aina, and their paths deviate from the start. A good chunk of this book is spent alternating between two completely different storylines. It took a while for me to become invested in either story. If you aren't already familiar with Finnish folklore, there's a big learning curve and a lot of names to remember. The tale is fairly dark and set in cold weather, making it an excellent winter reading choice for readers interested in fantasy and folklore.

North is the Night
(The Tuonela Duet, book 1)
By Emily Rath
4 ⭐️

I wanted to read this for 3 main reasons:
1. The book is beautiful. (This reader loves a pretty book 🙋‍♀️)
2. Nordic folklore
3. It looks like it’s set in winter - or at least in part

I was not disappointed! All 3 things proved to be true and done well. My favorite aspect was the folklore. I’m not familiar with the deities features in this tale; I thought this was a fantastic introduction. The story essentially follows two story lines (the separate POVs) that start together and veer apart. Almost forgotten tales and songs guide their journey. I enjoyed this read a lot and am looking forward to book 2. Bonus, book 1 does not end in a cliffhanger.

Hoopla currently has the ebook available - 12/24/24.

Thank you NetGalley, Emily Rath, and Kensington Publishing for an eARC copy of this book. I’ve also purchased it with my own 💵.

The concept of this book was so good and it just went downhill from there.

This book is based on Finnish folklore, something I had no idea existed. I was THRILLED! Early on you have a list of Finnish gods and goddesses, something that got me so excited to learn more about this world of folklore that was completely new to me. It... is not necessary. The few goddesses we meet (because it's almost exclusively goddesses) are always referenced by whatever they're the goddess of, because why would the readers be able to learn about the characters in a book? I still have little to no understanding of any aspect of Finnish folklore, which was pretty disappointing.

Apparently this book was initially marketed as sapphic. I learned this when I was halfway through the book and I was... confused. One of the two main characters is very clearly romantically in love with the other, but it is not reciprocated. While I understand that one woman's relationship with a man doesn't mean she can't also have feelings for another woman, this was pretty clearly not the case. If I had come into this book looking for sapphic romance, I would have been more than disappointed, I would have been angry.

This book is about 300 pages longer than necessary, and I don't even know where it got the extra 300 pages. The writing is not descriptive or flowery, but just very little happens. I was initially really invested, but once I hit 20% I just kept slowly, SLOWLY chugging along waiting for something to happen. About 50% in I thought it should be wrapping up and was confused about what else there was to even do in this story.

I was really disappointed in this book, and I don't really see this book being *for* anyone else. The author is a well known romance author, and I think she should probably stick to that genre or take more time in honing the craft of fantasy writing before her next fantasy novel.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The characters were absolutely beautifully written. I really appreciated Rath's ability to write growth into them rather than having them be stagnant. She also did a beautiful job of making her characters complex. With the exception of one, there is not a single character, deity or mortal, that is purely evil, and the motivations behind their actions are always so murky in a really exciting way. You never know who can be trusted and who cannot. I really loved that.

The atmosphere was perfect for a cold, wintry read. I really felt the darkness and hopelessness that Aina was facing, and as Siiri moved North and the cold set in, it felt palpable. Rath's writing really felt transportive in the sense that the cold and darkness felt bone deep and raw.

I loved this plot so much. I am a sucker for retellings of mythology, and I was not familiar with the Finnish pantheon prior to reading this. I enjoyed learning about them through the journey of these two women. The alternating chapters are done well, if you can handle the "end on a cliffhanger and swap to the other POV" tactic. I don't mind that, though I know some readers do not enjoy that approach. Aina and Siiri are both strong women who grow, learn, and come into their power over the course of the tale, and the storytelling is propulsive, so it never feels dull.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend for fans of fantasy and mythology.

I love a good folklore-inspired book, and North is the Night by Emily Rath is one to read if you're into Finnish folklore and a long fantasy. Clocking in at 600 pages, this book is quite lengthy but worth it in this reader's humble opinion. It's a beautiful story about love, friendship, and how much we are willing to risk to save the people we love the most. The duel protagonist's POV was insightful and helped provide a wonderful background for both Aina and Siiri. I highly recommend this book, especially if you're looking for a cozy winter read.

“Life is nothing but a long dying” - Väinämöinen

Steeped in Finnish mythology and lore North is the Night takes you on a journey between life and death and the worlds in between.

Siri’s best friend, Aina, is taken captive by the god, Kalma and transported to Tuonela, the death realm where the witch queen, Tuonetar rules with a dark iron fist.

Siiri will do whatever it takes to bring Aina back, including leaving her home to travel north in the hopes of finding Väinämöinen, the greatest shaman who ever lived, who suddenly disappeared out of sight a long time ago. On her quest she meets goddesses and witches and a mystical bear that may be the key to helping her find her goal.

But Aina is strong and she may just find her own way of surviving amongst devious gods.

It took me a little while to get properly into this book, but soon I was gripped by the descriptions of the snow covered places and the attention to Finnish folklore and myth. The book quickly picked up my full interest and I got so invested in Siiri and Aina’s separate stories. Mostly Aina’s if I’m honest, but her story does have one of the best tropes 😉 I won’t say what it is so you’ll have to read it to find out.

The book has high stakes, thrilling moments and heart-in-your-throat scenes and in the middle of it all is love.

For fans of fantasy involving magic, folklore and gods.

I will definitely be reading the sequel and final book in the duet when it comes out because we ended on some unresolved things

I loved this book. It is one of my favorite mythical retellings to date. I thought the author drew the tensions between characters really well. The minor characters were well written and compelling in their own right. The action sequences were engaging. I can’t wait for the next installment.

The way North is the Night made me BAWL with happiness. This is a beautiful, action packed epic fantasy exploring Finish mythology with TWO STRONG female main characters. Aina has been kidnapped by Kalma and taken to the realm of the dead, and Siiri immediately sets off to find the great shaman and get Aina back. I won’t spoil what happens, but be ready for the adventure of your life and have your tissues ready!

Aina and Siiri will live rent free in my mind for the rest of my days, and the underlying politics in this book are just everything. Best Part: It does not end on a cliff hanger.

Thank you Net Galley for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.

While this isn't my favorite fantasy of the year, I thought the writing was excellent and I loved the folklore incorporated throughout. I thought the pacing was lagging a bit and my attention did start to wane towards the end of the book, but it's gorgeous and wintery and will be a hit at Christmas.

Thank you @kensingtonbooks @netgalley for the e-ARC!

This was my first time reading Emily Rath. I know a few people who love her Jacksonville Rays series, and I was intrigued when I came across a fantasy novel by her.

BOOK REVIEW
North Is The Night by Emily Rath
Publication Date: December 17, 2024

North Is The Night is the first book in a duet. This fantasy adventure follows two young women — Siiri and Aina. I have a gut feeling that in order to fully appreciate this saga-like tale, I will need to read book two. With that said, this was an ok read for me. There were some shining moments and elements that I really enjoyed. Yet, it left me feeling a little hollow.

I loved the Finnish mythology and setting. The world-building is rich and immersive. I’m a novice, but the mythology seemed well-researched and was a focal point of the book.

The writing is strong with dialogue woven into more descriptive writing.

After a strong start, my interest waned in the latter half of the book. I think I mostly struggled with the structure. I felt disconnected to the characters as my focus was frequently shifted between what almost felt like two separate major plot lines. Perhaps, I would have enjoyed this more with one POV up until Siiri and Aina are reunited. This would have provided an opportunity to grow more connected with the plight of the characters.

I did enjoy parts of the characters’ journeys and internal growth, which I think I’ll grow to appreciate more in book two.

My rating: 3.75⭐️

I wasn't sure what t expect going in: having known the author for her spicy hockey romances, this was a bit of a departure, and I was curious! And it didn't disappoint. I loved the nods to Finnish mythology, which shares some similarities with the more familiar Greco-Roman stuff but is also wonderfully distinct. Rath never fails to draw me in with her character-based storytelling, and I was 100% rooting for Siiri and Aina. The world-building was also great, although there is a LOT going on (between the pagan/Christian and Finnish/Swede conflicts and everything Tuonela-based) which meant it was hard to focus on any of those things. That said, I found it a fun and compelling read, and will definitely check out the continuation of the story.

3.5 stars rounded up!