I've been a fan of Rachel Griffin since the release of her first novel, The Nature of Witches. After reading her sophomore novel, Wild Is the Witch, and now her newest novel, Bring Me Your Midnight, I can safely say that Rachel Griffin is an auto-read author for me at this point.

Each of her stories so far has been a cozy contemporary fantasy set in the Pacific Northwest (my favorite location on earth!) about a witch learning to use her magic while also falling in love. The books are fun, fast-paced, emotional, and heartwarming.

Bring Me Your Midnight is Rachel's strongest book yet! I loved every minute of it and completely flew through the story. This novel contrasts the duty one has to their family, their ancestors, and their community with the desires of their heart that are completely at odds with what is expected of them. Would you let down everyone around you for your own happiness, or sacrifice your own happiness and future for the safety and happiness of those closest to you? This is the dilemma that the protagonist, Tana Fairchild, faces in this novel.

As the coven leader's daughter, Tana has been expected since birth to marry the governor's son, Landon, to secure an alliance between the witches on the island and the non-magic humans on the mainland. Tana has always agreed to this plan, until she meets Wolfe, a member of the forbidden dark magic coven, and learns that her coven's magic is slowly killing their island and the surrounding ocean. As Tana learns the truth about her coven's history and the truth about her magic, she will have to decide on a fate that will affect not only her future but the future of everyone in her coven. Bring Me Your Midnight deals with the consequences of one's choices and how something can be both good and bad, both desirable and undesirable at the same time.

This novel was magically ethereal and thoroughly enjoyable. If you haven't read a Rachel Griffin book yet and love cozy and romantic witchy stories, definitely check out Bring Me Your Midnight. I can't wait to see what novels she has planned for the future.

Once again, I was drawn in by a gorgeous cover and an intriguing synopsis, just to be utterly let down by the story execution. Overall, the plot sounded intriguing and felt like a fun entry into the young adult fantasy genre. However, the lack of narrative depth and poor plotting made the novel difficult to read.

Bring Me Your Midnight is a novel about Tana, a twenty-year-old witch who is betrothed to Landon, the mainland’s governor’s son. An alliance is being sealed through marriage in order to protect the witches that call the island, the Witchery, home. However, Tana’s world is shaken when she misses her monthly rush—a ceremony where the witches expel their extra magic into the ocean—and finds her life is at risk due to an excessive build up of magic. And then she meets Wolfe, a witch who practices dark magic, and he challenges her worldview as she begins to fall in love with him.

This novel is lacking in tension. That is a direct result of the novel, frankly, lacking emotional and descriptive depth, while plot conflicts never last longer than a chapter. As I read, I found myself craving concrete and descriptive details. I wanted to sink into the setting and imagery of the Witchery, and I wanted figurative language to invoke Tana’s emotions as the story played out. Instead, the story felt like a skeleton of itself. The writing presented itself with minimum details; if I had to describe the writing style in one phrase, it’s this: telling and not showing.

This lack of detail brings me to our main character, Tana. I struggled with her as a narrative. First, her voice did not sound like a twenty-year-old. Her voice felt juvenile and immature in the face of everything happening around her. Which brings me to the issue of conflict and development, especially when it comes to Tana. I would argue that this is a character-drive plot, as much of the conflict revolves around Wolfe challenging Tana’s worldview and everything she knows. However, even when her worldview was challenge, she accepted it quickly and moved on. Generally, no conflict lasted longer than a chapter, nor did it cause much emotional distress for Tana. I wanted to see her struggling to accept what Wolfe was telling her compared to what her mother taught her. Even when faced with asking her mother for the truth, she often chosen to not act, which made Tana a passive character. And a passive character often does not change and develop, which furthers the lack of tension in a story.

The most frustrating aspect, however, was the lack of overall plot. I’ve made mention that conflicts often didn’t last longer than a chapter, which was true. A conflict would set up and resolve itself within a few pages, which destroyed any chance of tension coming into play. However, there was one overarching plot shadowing the novel: the fact that the low-tide witches magic was negatively affecting the ocean and causing destruction of the island. While we didn’t see much evidence of this destruction—outside of the dangerous currents surrounding the island (and even then, no one died? Tana almost did, in her past, but that was it.)—but it was still an issue that needed to be resolved. And we did not get to see that plot be resolved. Tana provided a solution to the issue, strongarmed her mother into agreeing to it—and that was it. We never got to see Tana’s plan play out or see the ocean heal from her plan. Seeing that plot resolution was a driving factor behind my finishing reading this novel, and to see the sole plot conflict go unresolved was frustrating.

A smaller note: the “love-triangle” and “romance” were also underdeveloped. Tana and Wolfe’s relationship was a textbook example of insta-love. (Tana fell in love with Wolfe after meeting up with him six times. Six. Times.) And I wouldn’t label this novel as a love triangle, considering Landon was only on the page four times and gave zero indication of having romantic feelings for Tana. The romance is yet another example of something needing further development.

I haven’t read a Rachel Griffin novel before and, after experiencing this story, I probably won’t read another one of her novels again. This story was riddled with developmental issues and was lacking in a narrative depth that never allowed me to sink into the story. I was hoping to read an immersive, atmospheric novel and instead I walked away feeling frustrated and wanting more from the narrative.

Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

This was an incredibly fun beautiful read. I had such a good time with this. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in just a few days. Rachel never disappoints

If you ever doubt the existence of magic you need to read this book, or any Rachel Griffin book.
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She writes about the elements, the energies and the flow of life around us in such a way that it's impossible not to believe that she has a super power.
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It feels so natural and organic, so real that one can touch the images she describes and don't even get me started on her characters who live each sensation with a passion that takes you by surprise and holds you on their journey. A true journey for whoever reads it.
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Mortana Fairchild has her destiny marked as the daughter of the head of the council of witches in her coven. In order to protect their island where the last sorcerers live and protect them from the violence and discrimination of the mainlanders, she must marry the son of the governor and thus unite everyone in an agreement with mutual benefits
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But at nineteen years old and with her feet always in the sea, the last thing she wants is to change her clothes for conservative dresses and stop doing magic in the family perfumery to walk behind to the next governor. That's why when a moon flower appears in front of her, she decides to follow it and ends up crashing into something impossible
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The boy in front of her should not exist, all the sorcerers who rejected the new order and practiced dark magic died but for some reason Wolfe Hawthorne is alive and with him a lot of questions that jeopardize the way of life of her and her people
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When her life is in danger, there is only one person who can help her, and although it is condemned by her coven, Tana must decide if follow the rules is more important than living
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For me it's a five thousand star for sure, no matter what kind of magic, power or characters she writes about , I'm going to end up bewitched and totally inside the plot, I'm going to mark more than one quote and sigh looking towards nothingness just remembering them
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Thanks to Rachel Griffin and Sourcebooks Fire for give me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion

I love every single thing Rachel Griffin writes. Her writing style is so atmospheric—it makes me feel present in the story like I can feel the ocean breeze on my face and taste its salt. I can feel the depth of Tana's love for her people and also her forbidden love. Rachel Griffin's writing immerses me and makes me never want to leave.

Bring Me Your Midnight is wholly unique, yet has many elements that readers love: secretive island, witch magic, loyal friendship, arranged marriage, and forbidden love. Tana's story explores themes of duty and responsibility versus truth and want as well as the importance of caring for the ocean and its creatures. There's so many layers to this book told in a compelling plot of uncovering secrets and true love.

Tana and Wolfe have my whole heart. Watching their love story unfold was an absolute pleasure, and there were soooo many swoony one-liners and kisses throughout. It was tense and passionate and beautiful.

I could keep going on and on about all the wonderful things about this book, but I think I'll beg you to discover them for yourself. Bring Me Your Midnight was the perfect book for me, and I'd highly recommend to all readers who love witches, magic, and romance!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: one vague open door, near drownings, near death by bee stings, animal death

I absolutely love the way Rachel Griffin writes witchy novels.
She really connects witches to nature which I can totally get behind.
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“Our connection to the natural world is what’s most powerful about us-it enables everything we do.”
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🌊YA fantasy
🌊atmospheric and romantic
🌊forbidden romance
🌊arrange marriage
🌊magic
🌊family secrets
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I think YA fantasy fans will love this one.
3.5 stars
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Thank you netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the opportunity to read this book!

I love a arrange marriage trope, but this book had one of my least favorites which is, “Doesn’t fall for the arranged husband.” I know that’s dramatic but still. I did like this book and wanted more of Tana and Wolfe to get more into their relationship but I’m more particular.

I think I need to accept that I am out of my YA fantasy phase 😭 I can totally understand how people love this book but it was so not what I enjoy reading these days!

The setting in the Witchery town is lovely, and I really liked the worldbuilding that was done. I think if you like a YA romance plot (in that it progresses very quickly to them sharing very intense feelings for each other) then you will love this! The prose was well written but felt juvenile at times (but this is a book for younger people so that makes sense!) Again, this is not a bad book, it just isn’t for me and where I’m at with shifting away from YA books.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I loved it!!!!!!!!!! Are we surprised? Not in the slightest. I’ve fallen head over for all of Griffin’s stories. Another author that completely makes me forget I’m reading. Everything about this book is incredibly captivating. Just an all around beautiful story of forbidden love and being true to yourself.

Bring Me Your Midnight has surpassed Nature of Witches as my favorite Rachel Griffith’s book. It is a gorgeous tale of witches (both high and low magic) romance, and nature. All of the the things one can expect from a Rachel Griffith novel. This one described the ocean in such a gorgeous way…this PNW girl could not get enough.

This is my favorite Rachel Griffin novel yet! I have read both The Nature of Witches and Wild is the Witch but Bring Me Your Midnight was so much better. I loved the relationship between Tana and Wolfe and how it progressed throughout the novel. The story was a great metaphor for choosing what your heart wants and maybe not what everyone else wants for you. It was the perfect amount of Griffin witchy-ness mixed with a sweet romance. Highly recommend and cannot wait for my pre-ordered copy to arrive in August!

Likes: I absolutely loved the magical concepts and ideas. The world building felt both realistic and magical all at the same time. I loved the use of teas and perfumes that could capture a memory or alter your emotions (get me an anxiety eraser one ASAP please). I also enjoyed the life lessons and overall message. This took me for a deep dive into self-discovery; highlighting the pain/emotional distress that accompanies finding oneself and questioning our beliefs, thoughts, and desires. I thoroughly enjoyed having a front row seat to Tana’s journey. Lastly, this cover is GORGEOUS! It immediately caught my eye.

Dislikes: I was VERY excited for this read because of the inclusion of forbidden love and magic, but this fell a bit flat for me. The characters felt too simple and underdeveloped; this made it hard for me to become attached and invested. I was also expecting a very dynamic-style love triangle, but there wasn’t any conflict or that tug-of-war feeling between the love interests to keep me on my toes. Additionally, Wolfe and Tana’s relationship felt a bit too 'insta lovey'; it developed too quickly and their interactions didn’t allow me to become emotionally invested in their relationship. The pacing of the story also felt a bit all over the place at times. Lastly, it was hard for me to look past many of Tana’s flaws. She could be overly ignorant at times, too trusting, and the rapid change of her mindset on things in the story gave me whiplash. Overall, there were some aspects that I enjoyed and others that made it hard for me to push through to the end.

Thank you so much for this advanced copy!

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. I have been lucky enough to have read two of Ms. Griffin's previous books, and it has been an absolute HONOR to have been able to read this third one. They keep getting better and better, and I've enjoyed every moment of the journey. I love the characters she writes, the worlds I want to lose myself in, and the atmosphere that envelopes the reader time and time again. I flew through this, reading it in about a day in a half, and can't wait to put a copy of this on my shelf with all of the other ones. A more formal review will be available on my IG/TikTok and Goodreads.

Bring Me Your Midnight is the latest wonderfully witchy standalone from Rachel Griffin. Rachel is an auto-buy author for me so I was thrilled when I was approved for this arc.

BMYM is an epically romantic, incredibly atmospheric YA fantasy that is brimming with magic. Tana's whole life was mapped out before she could even walk. She is to marry the Governer's son and tie the witches coven to the mainland irrevocably. However, when a ritual goes wrong and Tana's life is at risk, she seeks help from the only person who can help her, Wolfe, a practicer of dark magic. As Tana and Wolfe become closer and secrets are revealed, Tana must choose between her family, her destiny and her deepest, darkest desires.

I adored this book. It was utterly enchanting and full of forbidden romance, secrets and betrayals. It was uplifting, tragic and heartbreaking all at once. The perfect introduction to fantasy and a staple comfort read for any fantasy lover. The only thing for me that would have made it better would be some chapters in Wolfe's POV to demonstrate his feelings and his attraction to Tana. Either way, Rachel Griffin is and will remain an auto-buy author for me. Also - there is a stunning hidden cover for the first print run so get your pre-orders in!

Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the e-arc!

Bring Me Your Midnight is my new favorite book by Rachel Griffin!

Mortana Fairchild (what an elegant name!) has known for her entire life that the fate of her coven on Witchery Island rests on her shoulders as the expected bride of an arranged marriage to the son of a powerful Mainland family. But her acceptance of this duty becomes rocky one fateful night... Mortana soon begins questioning her entire life - family, friendships, and even the arranged marriage. She is surrounded by untruths, and must unravel HER truth and make decisions that impact the environmental health of the island and surrounding sea.

Check out my longer review here: https://www.wilsonhillworks.com/blog/review-of-bring-me-your-midnight-by-rachel-griffin

Contains: a bit of spice but done with class, death and resurrection

{Thank you to Rachel Griffin, NetGalley & Sourcebooks Fire for the e-ARC.}

4.5 stars rounded up

Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebooks Fire and Rachel Griffin for this ARC.
I haven’t been this excited to write a book review in awhile. This book was one of my most anticipated new releases of the year, and it lived up to all my expectations. Bring Me Your Midnight has become my new favorite of Rachel Griffin’s books. This book healed me in the way that the main character struggles to meet the expectations put on her by her parents. And while the main character has her internal struggles, Rachel Griffin is somehow able to keep all the magic and whimsy which makes you want to live in this world. This book takes place on an island I pictured as Mackinac Island in Michigan, which made my personal experience with this book so great. I loved all the vibes and magic in this book and honestly couldn't recommend it enough. Along with Wild is the Witch and The Nature of Witches, this book puts a spotlight on conservation and saving the planet which I really appreciate. Honestly, this review is probably a mess because I can’t fully describe how much I loved this book.

Quick Summary of the book: Tana’s mother is the leader of their coven, and Tana’s life has been mapped out since she was born. She is to marry the son of the governor to protect her coven, and secure their safety and future. Everything changes when she runs into a mysterious boy at midnight, and all the secrets about her coven and island begin to unravel. Tana must decide whether to follow her heart and take control of her life, or to follow the life and expectations set out by her mother and save her coven.

This book just felt so special to me, and I think this book would have had a huge impact on me as a young woman. (I am really considering buying copies for the young women in my life). I am also convinced that Midnight Rain by Taylor Swift is ab0out this book.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Bring Me Your Midnight!

This was such a fun and whimsical witchy romance! The story was so intriguing and unique, and I absolutely devoured it. I thought the magic system was so well done, and I loved the exploration of the relationship between the witches and the humans. Tana's character was so relatable and her character development was *chefs kiss*. The storyline really drew me in and made me never want to leave, and of course, the romance between Tana and Wolfe was everything.

I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a witchy fantasy romance! I really hope we get more of Tana and Wolfe because I cannot get enough!

A bit too fast and obvious for my taste compared to her other books (it seems they fall for each other after like 3 days knowing each other), and I would have liked that a bit more of the magic system made its way into the story instead of just the same theory repeated multiple times. But overall, it was still a fun read, and I really like Griffin's writing.
3,5/5

Worlds don't get much more lush than Rachel Griffin, this will-they-won't-they sizzling romance is one that I will be going back to again and again. A beautifully and realistically harsh world, I absolutely loved this one. It also has major crossover appeal for those older-YA's (or those younger who are reading older).

Highly recommend.

Another AMAZING one from Rachel! This book gave me all the feels and I loved every second of this adventure. The absolute vibe on this one. I was immediately immersed in the story and couldn’t wait to see where these characters would go. I loved the island setting and all the symbolism throughout.