Wow! What a fabulous story. If you enjoy fantasy and the stories we all remember of witches, dark forests and beautiful imprisoned princesses, then this is for you.
This book has everything you could ever wish for, all wrapped up in a fantasy masterpiece. I didn’t read this book, I devoured it! I was carried away with the characters to new and magical lands with dark, light, danger and strange creatures. Some, not quite how they appear. Love, hate, jealousy - every emotion is rolled into this story. There was not a page of it that disappointed. It’s fabulous and I can’t wait to read where our characters go and what happens to them next.

I have to say, I am glad that I got this as an arc so that I did not have to spend my own money on it. I didn’t realise this was written by the Emily Rath of ‘Pucking Around’ until it was too late, and realising it was written by a fantasy author did explain a fair few things.

We follow Siiri and Aina in two separate but linked stories based on Finnish folklore. An evil demon arrives to take Siiri to the land of the dead, but Aina ends up sacrificing herself instead to protect her best friend. Siiri immediately embarks on a quest to find the lost shaman, Väinämöinen, and convince him to help her travel to and from Tuonela herself and rescue Aina. Meanwhile, Aina finds herself the hostage of Tuonetar, forced to watch her newly found friends get tortured and killed by the evil Witch Queen and her cronies, while desperately trying to find a way to restore balance to Tuonela.

Initially, I was hoping that a folklore-inspired story set in Finland in winter would have some gorgeous prose. Who doesn’t like reading about a snowy forest and the aurora borealis and the old gods? Wrong. From page 1 this was not going to happen. Despite reading the entire book I don’t have a concrete idea of what a single character looks like, nor Finland itself, nor Tuonela. Any mention of any physical descriptors is fleeting and I don’t even get a sense of it being cold - which is insane given it is set in Finnish winter. Tuonela is supposed to have no light so I am left wondering how on earth anyone is supposed to be able to see. Is everyone squiting all the time? Is there some low level glow emanating from the air itself that allows everyone to see? There are 2 thrones - what do they look like? I know we have gold and silver but I need more. Tall? Cushions? What are the arms like? Are they together on a dais? Give me MORE.

Rath also falls victim to the trap of taking a dual POV story and feeling the need to end every single chapter on a cliffhanger. Every semi-important or revealing conversation is interrupted and the air of forced mystery very quickly makes for a dull read. The two voices of Siiri and Aina are also very much the same and so it did always take a second to realise it’d switched despite them being in wildly different places.

The characters also have an odd propensity to speak to animals and truly believe that these animals can understand and communicate back. This may be some Finnish reverence for bears or mythological animals that I don’t understand and hasn’t been communicated well but it just feels a little odd to watch happen time and time again.

Siiri and Aina also seem to fall victim to the gal-palification that plagues many sapphic relationships, but more overt. The way these two women talk about each other, and the things that they are prepared to do for each other and the way other people view them as a pair (a love interest becomes extremely jealous of their attachment to each other as if there is a romantic aspect), screams gay. Yet the narrative seems to shy away from admitting that. They /literally/ went to hell and back for each other. They both admit their souls are tied together, they agree to be joint mothers to this child. Hell they even kiss, and share a bed every night, but no no no they’re just besties. They just love each other platonically bro. I am all for female friendship and I will scream from the rooftops that love does not have to be romantic, but this is written like a sapphic relationship that some christian priest went through and edited to be straight - even throw in a husband and hetero sex scene to be sure - without realising which parts of it were actually the moments of these girls truly loving each other.

And, finally, saving the biggest complaint for last - Rath’s treatment of indigenous people and women. These are two incredibly marginalised groups that at the time when Christian missionaries were coming to Scandinavia were routinely killed.

This is set around the time when Christian missionaries were coming to Scandinavia to preach, and if we have learned nothing from the witch trials of the 1600s, women and indigenous people were not treated kindly by these people. They were denounced as witches and then tortured and killed in their hundreds. And yet, Rath has, for some unknown reason, chosen to take this time period, and make every adult woman that we meet evil, make the single member of the Sámi present, coincidentally a woman, also evil, and every god that we really meet is a goddess (bar one), and is also, you guessed it, evil. The evil women are not just your regular antagonists, they are caricatures of villains. The way they speak and the way they taunt is giving a poorly written disney villain written by a man who’s wife has just left him for being an overgrown child, who keeps saying ‘the divorce came out of nowhere!!’. Every woman we meet is evil, and every woman we meet is a witch to the point that evil and witch and woman become all but synonymous, which feels like a poor-taste choice to make, especially for such a time period.

I was toying with giving it 3 stars, as 2 felt rather mean for someone’s first foray into fantasy, but I could not find a good thing to say about the book itself. I like the idea. That is where my compliments start and end.

This was not really my cup of tea. I would have liked to love it but it didn't meet my (high) expectations. Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a free e-arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I found it very hard to get into this story, even though it had the potential to be really captivating I thought the writing lacked depth and I did not care about the characters. I LOVE mythology so I am really sad I didn’t enjoy this. I was not invested in the romance, I did not like Siiri, and could not get past her name sounding like hey siri.

A disappointing read.

An epic fantasy adventure, with rich folklore at its heart. North is the Night is a gorgeous dual perspective read, I found myself torn, both rooting for Siri to save Aina and learn more about their love for each other while also enjoying Aina and Tuoni”s eventual story. I loved this and can’t wait to see what happens next.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I thought this was a really good book. The blending of myth and magic is so well done. The story is interesting, a bit different from others of this type. The characters are well drawn and as a reader I was very invested in what happened to them. An exceptional read

Reading the blurb for this book, I immediately wanted to read it. I love anything Viking or Scandinavian as I have Viking ancestry myself so it’s become sort of a special interest to me.
This book gave me huge Vikings: Valhalla vibes with Siiri trying to keep the ways of the old gods and paganism in a world that was being quickly converted to catholicism. I will say I found myself a lot more invested in Siiri’s story over Aina’s as I do like a strong female character over a damsel in distress and Siiri was a true badass. I did find at times certain parts of the book dragged a little so this is reflected in my star rating. All in all i would recommend this book as i enjoyed it!

First off, I want to take Net Galley for providing me with this arc.


Firstly , I just wanted to be known that I love emily rath and all of her works her style of writing and the different subjects she manages to pull into all of her stories. I was so honored to recieve this ARC to review.

Lately there have been a lot of books coming out where as soon as they have fantasy and romance elements.They're classed as romantasy. North is the Night however is a fantasy book that has romance elements.

I really loved that facet about this because it meant that there was a lot more Focus on the world building, the magic and Lore. Emily has made sure to prioritise the Finnish mythology and folklore throughout the story , making it a spotlighting point. As someone who loves mythology but has never strayed far from Greek mythos, this was such a refreshing and new landscape to jump into. The intricacies of the magic and lore mean that there is a slow pace to begin with, just to aide the reader in getting their head around the gods, goddesses, shaman and witches (which I was so thankful for as Finnish myths are new to me).

Emily provided the slow pace so well whilst also creating such a beautiful script throughout the whole story. It has beautifully woven elements of adventure, suspense, sacrifice unlikely friendships as well as offering an exploration of human connection and the darker sides experience in religion.

I defintely recommend this book, especially if you're looking for something a little more fantasy based, with different mythology then what you're used to seeing on shelves.

This was a ARC from NetGalley.

I did enjoy this book, I did. It was slow at times and fast at times. I liked the mythology of it all, the god of death and the witches absolutely enjoyed it.

The LGBQ of it was different which I liked compared to the usual storyline you get you get during a fantasy world.

Such a different read. A different but good read.

I really enjoyed this book. I was pleasantly surprised. I really liked the folklore and how each character progressed through the story. I couldn’t put this book down. Fantastic read

This book wasn't what what I was expecting at all but I absoltely loved it. It look me a little while to get used to the language and the pronunciation of things but I loved it all the same. Just when you think the book is going one way it turns in a while other different direction. Likeable characters and story and I can't wait for book two. I am in my element with stories like these worh myths and mythology and I absoltely ate it up. Thank you NetGalley.

This book was an unexpected gem.
The overall atmosphere reminded me of The Bear and The Nightingale, but with Finnish gods and folklore. Even though I knew very little about it, the book was so well crafted I didn't feel lost at any moment, and the prose was beautiful, while still feeling like an ancient legend or tale itself. In fact, I often felt as if I had been sitting by a fire and hearing some old woman or shaman telling this story as I was reading.
I especially liked the idea of the opposition between the old gods and the folk beliefs and customs and Christianity, and the story had such strong and relatable characters, who evolved in a way that even surprised me (end that doesn't happen often!). The ending got me somewhat emotional, and I cannot wait for the final volume of this duology!
(bonus points for shamans, and soul travel).

North Is the Night is a standalone first part of a duology following two Finnish village girls, Siiri and Aina. When the two are ambushed by the death goddess Kalma, Aina volunteers to go with her to save Siiri's life. The narrative splits and we follow each girl - Aina, who tries to survive the trials set by the Witch Queen, Tuonetar, and Siiri who travels North to find a way to save her.

I really enjoyed parts of this story and can see the comparisons between the book and the Winternight trilogy. Siiri's chapters were engaging and well-paced. There was a real sense of the hero's journey with her and I enjoyed reading about how she overcame the many challenges put before her. The relationship between herself and Väinämöinen was beautifully written and you could feel the familial love there. Aina's chapters, however, reflected the chaos of Tuonela. The more the story went on, the more noticeable that Aina's personality depended on what the plot needed her to be at the time. She is both quick thinking and slow off the mark; a shy, insecure damsel in distress and a powerful, confident queen. She yo-yos in between conflicting traits constantly and it gets tiring quite quickly.

Despite this, this is a good, solid read for those interested in Finnish mythology and fantasy adventures.

Thank you Quercus Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy for review!

Wow - I devoured this book in one day. When I saw this book described as 'The Bear and the Nightingale meets Spinning Silver' - I was hooked. I love folk tales, and especially love when authors dive deeply into lesser known ones and put their own spin on it. Strong heroines are always a favourite of mine - and this novel had no shortage of them.

Siiri and Aina are our two leads. While they spend much of the novel apart - we're constantly reminded of how their love for each other has shaped who they are, and the actions that they take. I liked there were also strong secondary characters: Tuoni, and Vainamoinen. As they spent more book time with the leads, I found character arcs and relationships to be fascinating.

I appreciate that Emily Rath didn't shy away from the more gruesome parts of folklore - they definitely add an element of interest and "did that really happen?" to the fantastical. There were a few curves thrown in near the end of the novel, one of which I wasn't a fan of and the other which I was pleasantly surprised by.

I enjoyed the mythology that was explored in this book, and look forward to learning more about our characters and their growth in the next book. I hope that we can learn more about the relationship between our two leads - how it developed prior to this novel, and continue to see the ongoing conflict with new gods vs. old unfold.

Overall rating this 4 stars.

This book deserves all the stars. I was absolutely captivated as the author takes us into a Finnish world of folklore and mythology. Entwined with a sapphic romance feel, this was everything I needed and more.

To the point that I've jumped straight on Amazon and preordered the hardback copy.

I've seen some mixed reviews about the sapphic romance bit and okay it's not shoved in your face and in every chapter, but in my opinion reading between the lines and feeling the characters the connection Siiri and Aina had for each other was obvious from the beginning and I was here for it.

Having never read a book by this author before I was impressed at how she gave me the ability to absolutely adore her characters, I loved Siiri her strength and bravery was amazing and I really rooted for both her and Aina from the get go. Aina was described in the book as a little mouse and initially I agreed however her transformation was next level and it was great seeing her sheer determination and the need to protect those she loves had for those around her.

Is it really over already. I'm gutted. I can't wait for Book 2! To read more about Siiri and Ainas' journey. An absolute masterpiece.

A massive thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy. Also, a huge thank you to Emily Rath for creating this wonderful story.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Firstly, I’d like to thank Quercus Books and NetGalley for the ARC of North is the Night by Emily Rath. This book was an immersive and intriguing read, with vivid imagery, compelling mythology, and a strong voice that kept me turning the pages. I appreciated Rath’s respectful approach in her disclaimers, where she acknowledges the mythology she draws from without claiming any authority over it, which set a thoughtful tone for the story.

The setup had just the right pace, and I loved Rath’s attention to detail, distinct characterizations, and writing style. Though there are familiar YA tropes, they feel fresh and purposeful rather than overdone. The mythological and fantastical elements are beautifully woven into the narrative, and the portrayal of Tuoni’s eerie allure added an unsettling layer that enhanced the story. Rath also skillfully highlights the darker aspects of Christianity's influence, which impact the protagonists in complex ways, adding an intriguing depth. Her portrayal of Tuonela was especially incredible—she brought this otherworldly place to life with such vivid and graphic detail. The settings throughout the book elevated every part of the story, making the dark, haunting realm of Tuonela feel disturbingly real.

That said, some aspects of the book gave me pause. While the story has strong female leads, it sometimes leans too heavily on their relationships with men to drive their arcs, making the feminist themes feel shallow. Certain storylines, like marriage, childbearing, and even asking men for permission to help, felt out of place in a book with feminist aspirations. The chosen-one angle also seemed overplayed, with some situations resolving too easily given their scale. Additionally, the inclusion of a sexual assault scene seemed unnecessary and added only shock value.

One of the most persistent disappointments was the hint of sapphic undertones that ultimately felt like bait. While the story teases readers with potential for a meaningful sapphic relationship, these themes remain largely unexplored, and what little inclusion there is feels lackluster.

Despite these critiques, I found North is the Night an engaging fantasy read, complete with captivating quests, mythology, and excellent writing. The immersive storytelling makes it a compelling choice for fantasy lovers, and even with its flaws, it’s a book I’d happily revisit. I look forward to seeing where the next installment will take us!

Oh my goodness, what a book! An epic tale, an enchanting mix of folk!ore and fantasy. The ols Gods of Finland are quiet and some fear they have deserted people. The Swedes push forward, violently promoting their new 'one god'. The very future of the people of Finland hangs in the balance and mortal Siiri and her friend Aina find themselves at the core of the battle between Gods. A wonderful rich story that will keep the reader mesmerised and leave all the chores at.home undone.

3⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rooted in Finnish mythology and folklore, North is the Night begins with the separation of two best friends, Siiri and Aina, when the latter is dragged to the underworld by a vengeful goddess. Siiri embarks on a quest to rescue her friend from torment in a test of love, loyalty and faith.

My thoughts on North is the Night were slightly mixed. Firstly the positives, I really enjoyed the start of the book, the scene-setting and the Finnish landscape! I admittedly never felt wholeheartedly invested in Aina or Siiri’s journeys however, and the pace felt slow in parts.

I did however really like the premise and the roots in Finnish lore and would definitely look at reading other books by Emily Rath as I enjoyed her writing style.

I love how this book weaves in Finnish gods, goddesses and folklore. I have some knowledge of the Kalevala from music and books and I love finding new aspects of it. I really enjoyed how the dual threads of the two POVs wove around each other, each character having their own strengths and using them, without falling into the stereotypical 'strong female lead'. Strength comes in many forms and this book demonstrates that well. Also, any mention of the Kalevala gets Turisas's Cursed Be Iron in my head, which is never a bad thing, so thumbs up for that.

Fantasy is not my favourite genre or even one I pick up often, but I have enjoyed this author's work before and was very curious (read immediately sold) on the description of a sapphic romantasy based on Finnish mythology. I am a sucker for anything sapphic or nordic so sign me up.

I loved the incredible attention to detail the author gave to the mythology side of the story and I was surprised how quickly and happily I got pulled in to Siiri and Aina's characters and struggles. There was near constant action, lots of high stakes and a consistently easy to read writing style.

Like other reviewers, I do think this book shouldn't be advertised as a sapphic romantasy because while there are sapphic elements, it's not only that and some sapphic readers will be disappointed. I am assuming it gets a lot more err, sapphic in the second book. I certainly hope so!

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!