First I would like to thank St. Martin's Press for providing a digital copy of this novel via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Wren Southerland is a member of the Queen's Guard for Queen Isabel ( her aunt) in the kingdom of Danu, which has been at odds with Vesria for centuries. She is born with healing magic. In this world, about 10% of the population possess magic. Anyone who is born with the type of magic Wren has is expected to become a healer. Wren's commanding officer is Una Dryde, her best friend. Hal Canvendish ,known as the reaper of Vesria, is its best warrior and an enemy of Danu.
Wren's life takes an unexpected turn when she is removed form the Queen's Guard after disobeying an order. Meanwhile she hopes that by solving the case of why seven Danu soldiers have gone missing, she will be able to rejoin the Queen's Guard and get back what she's lost. I found the plot engrossing and enjoyed what the author did with the concept of magic. Here, magic is described as a recessive trait in certain individuals. You have two kingdoms, Vesria and Danu, with a population than can possess magic while those born into a third kingdom, Cernios, cannot. This made for an interesting dynamic that played out throughout the novel. It helped frame the motivation behind many of the actions of the characters of the novel. The novel also addresses many of the complexities of war, including how notions of bad versus evil can be subjective during times of war. The main mystery of the novel is resolved towards the middle with the second half involving the protagonist trying to make things right. This format kept me wanting to keep reading to find out how our protagonist would fare with so much at stake. I enjoyed this novel throughout and I highly recommend it.

DOWN COMES THE NIGHT is an atmospheric book in a world undergoing an industrial revolution but clinging to its past as war ravages the borders and a slow-burn romance threatens to change the world.

As is often the case with me, stunning world building is what gets me most hooked onto a book. I loved the dichotomy between the magic and the religion at its heart, and the industrial revolution. We don't get to see much of it as it's in the background of Wren heading to the neighbouring country, but it's so subtly pervasive that you can feel that this is a world on the brink of everything changing, and that two of the three countries are trying to hold it back. There is electricity being installed, a river turned to acidic sludge, and thick smog in the air, but all balanced with magic.

The magic itself has a very scientific feel to it, as the main magic we see is a healing magic that's paired with Wren's medical training. The injuries she heals are described from the exact names of the bones and muscle groups, knitting together (the technical terms stop it being overly graphic, but I winced at some of the injuries.)

It is very atmospheric - a gothic mansion isolated in the snowy mountains, mixed with an edge-of-steampunk mystery some Frankenstein for good measure. Trapped by storms, eerie noises creaking around the house, odd rules, and two men you can never be sure how much to trust. It's a book to read wrapped in blankets and with the lights on!

Slow-burn romance is my favourite sort. I suppose, given the time-scale of the book, it's not really "slow", but given the pacing and how the characters act on it, it feels like a slow burn. It's a classic enemies-to-lovers, with tropes such as "have to touch to heal" and "there's only one bed" (for those who have specific tropes they love).

Overall, it is a wonderful debut, and I look forwards to see what Allison Saft writes next.

3 stars

Down Comes the Night, the title alone had me screeching for joy as I got approved for this arc. The synopsis had me dying in anticipation because of gothic vibes + magic, I mean what’s not to love. And while I did like this book, I also didn’t love it.

The first 10 chapters were extremely hard to read. I felt myself reading a few pages and setting it down for the day. But the moment our main character, Wren arrived at the mansion, I was immediately hooked. It was very obvious from the moment we meet Hal that this was going to be an enemies to lovers story. And we all know I am a sucker for those.

Now my two main frustrations with this book were that it was heavily marketed as gothic and the rushed plot. If this book was marketed more as a mystery and was a bit longer, then I think I would have appreciated it more. But those two things really hurt this book for me.

I did really like Wren as a main character, I felt like she had a lot to offer even if she made some questionable decisions. Her romance with Hal was the highlight of this book. I loved how they started and the progression of their relationship. I did have a soft spot for Una and I wish she would have been around more.

Overall, not a bad book. It had its good moments for me, I just wish the plot had more time to naturally grow over time instead of being rushed. Would totally read this author again.

Down Comes the Night is Allison Saft's standalone YA fantasy debut. Wren is a member of the Queen's Guard, and one of the most powerful healers in her nation. When she disobeys a direct order and heals an enemy scout, she is suspended from the guard and send back to the abbey she learned in she looks for any way out. her escape comes in the form of tending to the eccentric lord's servant in another kingdom. When she arrives, she learns the injured party is none other than Hal Cavendish, the notorious political figure from Vesria, enemy of Wren's queendom.

I am a huge fan of this book of read the whole thing in one night. The story quickly drew me in with Wren's character and her friendship with Una, and the action started quickly. There is also a thriller/mystery feel to this book mixed in with the fantastical elements of magic. Hal's character is also so well developed and his arc is so interesting with Wren's. The antagonist is suitably creepy for the setting and I enjoyed how everything went with that plot line.

I would have loved more information about the magic systems. Basically two kingdoms have magic but not all of them, but it doesn't really explain how the magic works outside of Wren's healing ability. I would have liked more information on that front.

I am a huge fan of this one and would love to read even more within this world if it were to be done in the future.

**Thank you to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review**

This book had a strong start, but just wasn't for me. I felt like I was being told how to feel instead of feeling those feelings. It might have also just been because my name is "Wren" and it was weird to see my name as the MC. The ending was rushed, and I just don't think it was for me.

Down Comes the Night questions whether we can see beyond the illusions. Whether that's our history, censored and manipulated. Or the relationships that seemingly protect us, while secretly smothering us. Or even loyalty which so quickly becomes a conflict of us versus them. Wren has always been told that her compassion is a weakness. That during war, her mercy and kindness make her unfit to rule. Determined to prove them wrong, Wren embarks on a quest that will call everything she's known to question.

Delightfully queer, Down Comes the Night gave me "Crimson Peak" haunted house meets luscious world building vibes. (I also want to say I haven't seen "Crimson Peak" because I'm terrified). But it's a detailed, mysterious, frost covered world. Nothing seems to be what they say they are and we aren't the images we appear to be. The beginning half is character driven, focusing on creating an immersive atmosphere and introducing us to both Wren and Hal. All these games hidden behind gilded rooms and sneers behind masks.

Set in-between three fictionalised countries on the brink of war, we follow military healer Wren Southerland, who is also the niece of the reigning queen of Danu. After being disgraced she is sent a mysterious letter which leads her to Colwick Hall and its reclusive lord. He wants her to heal one of his employees, which turns out the be the very man who is responsible for hundreds of deaths of her people. As the snow falls harder on the estate, Wren finds herself stuck between healing the man who hurt so many or forming an alliance to figure out what is really going on and why soldiers from both sides of the conflict have gone missing.

'Down Comes the Night' is more fantasy than it is gothic. I would even argue that it is more of a political fantasy as well. I think that while there was definitely imagery and atmosphere that leans into the gothic genre I don't think it embraces it fully. More mystery, more macabre details, more of a tragic story regarding the man who has been used to kill hundreds. I also didn't feel the snowy atmosphere as much. The reader knows that it is snowing outside, an almost blizzard but the writing tells us, not shows us.

Despite this, I did enjoy the characters and their interactions and characterisations, Wren's ability as a healer is deeply reflected in her character as even if she has the moment to kill a dangerous person she refuses and heals them instead, even if that almost leads to her dying. Her kindness is emphasised as her greatest strength. She's the best written character followed by Una, a girl she loves but is far more bound to her duty.

Overall, I think this worth while read. The ending is a little too happy for me, especially for a "gothic" book, but it didn't hurt the reading experience.

I confess that, as first, I was not sure how I was feeling about this read but by the time I turned the last page in this book, I was completely won over. Between the fascinating world-building where magic and electricity seem to be exclusive of each other, a setting that is potentially a house of horrors, and a enemies-to-lovers type of romance (AHEM, my fav!!), I enjoyed it!

I do think the summary makes it seem like it is going to be a creepier book than it really is. I would not sort this into YA Horror by any means and I think if that is what you are looking for you might be disappointed. However, if you enjoy YA fantasy with some strong world-building and romance then I think this might just be for you. It was for me.

I read this quickly because I as so engaged. The story interested me. I did find the main character slightly obnoxious and sometimes characters made decisions that felt particularly silly. I enjoyed the story so much that I forgave the characters for these decisions! Just be prepared for reactions while reading that consist of, "What are you doing?!"

If YA fantasies with all the fun above sound like something you would enjoy, I would say pick this one up!

So when I got to the end of this was reading the acknowledgments, I noticed the last person she thanked was Masashi Kishimoto. If you don't know who that is, he's the mangaka for Naruto. I quote, "I've dedicated over a decade of my life to shipping two of you characters who never once spoke to each other, so that says a lot about your work (or me)" end of quote. So the gears I working in my head trying to figure out who it is and clicks "IT'S FREAKING SAKURA AND ITACHI". It'll make more sense if you read the book and you'll pick up on the subtle hints on these to main characters. So this like fanfiction for that ship.
But back to this book. I thought it was good and felt if the author just left out the romance between the two main MC's, this would've been a better book. Wished I had seen more of the world besides just in the manor and got to learn more about Danu and Vesria.

Wren Southerland is kind by nature, causing the Queen of Danu—who happens to be her icy aunt—and
her own best friend both to dismiss her as anything but a reckless liability. When she's discharged from
the Queen’s Guard, Wren believes she’s lost everything... which makes her even more willing to accept
the invitation she receives from a gossipy lord to use her healing magic on his sick servant in the next
country over, hoping it will make her aunt respect her and gain her reinstatement in the Guard. But
things aren’t as they seem in Colwick Hall, and Wren might just have to work with her sworn enemy to
save them all.

Although a bit slow to start, as is common with many fantasy novels that must establish the world and
magic system, Down Comes the Night was an absolute blast to read. Wren is an immediate sympathetic
protagonist; she’s in love with her best friend, Una, who doesn’t feel the same way, her aunt has all but
disowned her, and all she has is her healing magic. The atmosphere and worldbuilding are vivid: bleak
and snowy and mysterious. Wren and Hal’s relationship is the highlight of this novel, though. They’re
genuine enemies from opposing countries who have false beliefs about one another, but as they slowly
unveil the truth, neither one can hide their feelings. Hal validates Wren’s compassion, and she reassures
Hal that he can redeem himself for his past actions. All in all, Down Comes the Night is an atmospheric,
enemies-to-lovers fantasy with an original concept and gorgeous writing.

(Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for sending us an ARC in exchange
for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon
final publication.)

This was the first time I read a Si-fi and I absolutely loved it. A complete 5 stars for the story line and the writing style.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review of, Down Comes the Night, by Allison Saft.

Wow, this book gave me all the feels. I was hooked from the first chapter. The entire book was exceptionally emotional, cleverly creative and wonderfully written.

Wren was a fantastic main character. Her kindness and morals above all else were inspiring and endearing. After everything that she endured since childhood, she never faltered in her journey to help others who were deserving and not so deserving, even if it cost her everything.

Hal was a dashing male MC. He grew into all the desirable traits of a book boyfriend. I enjoyed how his character progressed throughout the book. He had commendable qualities even though he's committed atrocities. It's not easy for an author to create a believable character who commits nefarious acts yet desires and accomplishes becoming beneficient.

However, Allison Saft completed this with not only wonderful character development, but also with eloquent writing and captivating plot advancement.

I wish that this were the beginning of a series. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the MC's as well as the secondary characters. I'd love to see the burgeoning relationship between Wren and Hal as well as following Isabel, and her journey from a poised, pretentious personality, into a modest, meaningful matriarch due to her softening internal asperity.

This was such a powerful story. Wren spend her life feeling like she’s not good enough. That her kindness and compassion foe others make her weak. All she seeks is love from her Aunt, the Queen and her best friend that she’s in love with. They both pain her to change to be ruthless and somebody she’s not. The journey Wren takes leads her to the enemy of her people and the choice to save him or not. Everything about this story was amazing and incredibly powerful.

First of all, thank you to Wednesday Books for an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review!

Down Comes the Night follows Wren, a healer who is on the path to redemption. When the Queen (her aunt) dismisses her from the Queen's Guard and a letter from a powerful lord shows up with the potential to provide her kingdom strong allies, Wren takes a chance, but when she show up to heal Colwick Hall's servant, it turns out to be none other than Hal Cavendish, the Reaper of Vesria, her kingdom's sworn enemy.

I think, more than anything. I'm disappointed. I was so excited for some good bi rep in YA Fantasy, but the characters and the romance just really fell flat for me. It felt like it happened so quickly, and there wasn't a lot of oomph. On top of it, it felt more like a castle, and not really a gothic mansion. It wasn't creepy or gothic, and ugh I just wanted to love it!

This just had so much potential, but the book didn't fit the synopsis great for me. 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

My Rating: 3 Stars

As you may know if you’ve read my reviews, I always like to start with the things I loved about a book. This was a really quick read for me! The writing style made it easy to devour, with a solid mix of dialogue and description. Overall, I enjoyed Wren’s narration and found her to be a relatable character. The villain, while easy to guess, was appropriately blood thirsty and intriguing.

So, there are a few things that could have completely saved this book for me. I really wish that the publisher had pushed this book in a different way. it is said to be a gothic story, but I didn’t get that impression at all while I was reading it. While the ending was a bit macabre, nothing else really was. The setting certainly wasn’t gothic, as the house was described as creepy but the tone wasn’t set that way by the writing. I just wish the book was being pitched as a fantasy murder mystery – which is a much more apt description of the plot.

I also wish that the book had either been longer, or written as part of a duology. There is so much interesting world building to explore, and I felt as though more time could’ve been spent on both the politics and magic. It sadly felt a bit watered down to me, and I just wish that these aspects had held more depth. We knew that residents of two countries had magic, but the third didn’t. There was also talk of how each country viewed magic in religious and governmental ways, but that was again glossed over when it could’ve been explored in a great way had the book been longer.

Finally, although the romance is billed as love to hate, it never really felt that way to me. The hatred was immediately one sided, and even that dissipated rather quickly. This is another issue that I think could’ve been solved by a longer book, or just a second book. Standalones are difficult to write because most readers expect full world building with fleshed out characters and a resolution that doesn’t feel rushed. I feel as though that is such a hard thing to deliver in a single 370 page book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy for review.

This is basically just going to be a spastic gushing of how much I LOVED THIS BOOK!! The setting was gothic and atmospheric and set the perfect tone for the story. Hal is a broody, mage boy, with crazy eye magic and known as the Reaper. Wren is a powerful mage healer, emotional, bi, orphaned and feels unloved. They are, obviously, on different sides of this war, so naturally they are unexpectedly thrown together. There is a murder mystery taking place in the Gothic castle of Lord Lowery who is quite eccentric and suspicious. The mystery, magic, the gorgeous slow burn enemies to lovers, political games! I loved it all!! I think the pacing was perfect for this, and the ending left me satisfied and wanting more. I think my favorite thing though is how much Wren and Hal, but especially Wren, grows throughout the story.

Down Comes the Night is compulsively readable and trope-filled, having me steal moments (and ignore acquaintances on public transport) to peruse the ebook on my phone whenever I could. If you are looking for a war criminal/magical healer ship, this story is pretty focused on the romance and delivers sexual tension like it's nobody's business. Who gave this author the right to write a bisexual heroine yearning for appreciation and a terminally ill warrior who lost his ability to kill people with one glance, first of all?

This novel is not gothic per se. Not until 20% into the story, during which we are introduced into the society and politics of a country perpetually on the brink of war with it's arch enemy, and training child soldiers in preparation for the next big clash. Even past that part, you technically only get a whodunnit plot set in a snowed-in mansion, with a heavy dose of belligerent attraction between the two protagonists stuck inside (yes, the magical healing requires touching), not the actual terror of the unknown coinhabiting in that secluded space. Nevermind the copious amount of plot holes.

Again, this is a YA plot that could be so much more believable if the characters had been aged up, instead of having teenagers reach the highest military ranks before turning eighteen, or excel as physicians at an age I had just gotten admitted into med school. Saft would have profited from having a medical professional fact-check her writing, to be honest, because while her heroine Wren initially uses a lot of correct medical terms and describes procedures in a convincing manner - if a bit en masse - it quickly becomes apparent that the author does not, in fact, know what "bone marrow transplant" means, or how to draw blood from a patient.

In the end, I wasn't exactly swept off my feet by (quote) "snow-drenched, gothic, romantic fantasy that keeps you racing through the pages long into the night". But I did fall for this cast with unexpected arrays of characteristics, and enjoyed the unusually soft ending that left me waiting for more from this writer. A solid debut, with room for improvement!

Down Comes the Night by Allison Saft is a YA Fantasy stand-alone (works as one at least) debut featuring a bisexual main character, a gothic (maybe) haunted mansion, a mysterious illness, and the popular enemies to lovers trope. I absolutely loved the first half of this book, but felt the big mystery was figured out too early on and the rest was a bit drawn out. There were twists and turns enough to keep me reading though and it is still a very enjoyable read. I found the world building interesting. There's a mix of two magical countries as well as one that has technology instead of magic. I also enjoyed the romance and felt it was balanced with enough plot that it doesn't overwhelm the main story.

This was . . . . okay?

I think there is an interesting idea and characters at the center of the story, but maybe it needed some more development or editing.

I was never really able to orient myself in the world. I'm still not really clear what it "looks" like. There was a lot of intense anatomical detail and vocabulary which kind of bogged it down a little; a felt a lot of times that the plot just moved forward conveniently, not necessarily believably.

The cover doesn't really match the contents.

I absolutely LOVED this book. I posted a full video review at @courtofopinions on Instagram, but I loved it all. The setting? The magic elements, which were well considered and clearly written? The romance? The casual bisexuality? I loved this book so much. I am excited for its release --- this book has everything a reader looking for a one-sitting fantasy read could ask for.