Who Would Like This Book:
If you've ever wanted gritty court intrigue with a layer of magic, this book delivers! Marie Brennan masterfully blends real Elizabethan history with the shadowy world of the fae beneath London. Lovers of historical fiction, urban fantasy, or those who adore Neil Gaiman's 'Neverwhere' will likely be hooked. The richly atmospheric setting, clever plot twists, and unique take on faeries (not your garden variety sprites) make this a standout read for anyone who enjoys parallel worlds and secret histories.
Who May Not Like This Book:
The storytelling can be dense and jumps between perspectives and timelines, which some readers found confusing, especially at the start. If you prefer fast-paced plots or deeply character-driven stories, you might feel a little detached from the cast. A few found the writing less polished than they'd hoped, and the emotional depth of the human characters occasionally takes a back seat to the wider intrigue.
About:
'Midnight Never Come' by Marie Brennan is a historical fantasy novel set in Elizabethan England, featuring a detailed and intricate faerie court hidden beneath London. The plot involves court intrigue, love, betrayal, and an interesting cast of characters, both fae and human. The writing style is praised for seamlessly merging historical fact with flights of fantasy, capturing the voice of the period with eloquent prose and suitably Elizabethan dialogue. The author expertly blurs the lines between natural and supernatural elements, creating vivid characterizations and a storyline grounded in contemporary politics and English folk tales.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Has Romance?
There is a moderate level of romance present in the story, but it does not explicitly focus on sexual content.
From The Publisher:
England flourishes under the hand of its Virgin Queen: Elizabeth, Gloriana, last and most powerful of the Tudor monarchs.
But a great light casts a great shadow.
In hidden catacombs beneath London, a second Queen holds court: Invidiana, ruler of faerie England, and a dark mirror to the glory above. In the thirty years since Elizabeth ascended her throne, fae and mortal politics have become inextricably entwined, in secret alliances and ruthless betrayals whose existence is suspected only by a few.
Two courtiers, both struggling for royal favor, are about to uncover the secrets that lie behind these two thrones. When the faerie lady Lune is sent to monitor and manipulate Elizabeth's spymaster, Walsingham, her path crosses that of Michael Deven, a mortal gentleman and agent of Walsingham's. His discovery of the "hidden player" in English politics will test Lune's loyalty and Deven's courage alike. Will she betray her Queen for the sake of a world that is not hers? And can he survive in the alien and Machiavellian world of the fae? For only together will they be able to find the source of Invidiana's power - find it, and break it . . . .
A breathtaking novel of intrigue and betrayal set in Elizabethan England; Midnight Never Come seamlessly weaves together history and the fantastic to dazzling effect.
Reader Stats (3):
Want To Read (3) |
What can you read after
Midnight Never Come?
About the Author:
Marie Brennan is an anthropologist and folklorist who shamelessly pillages her academic fields for material. Her short stories have sold to more than a dozen venues. Find out more about the author at www.swantower.com
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
