2.5 stars

A whirlwind romantic fantasy with forces at play that are darker than what meets the eye, Down Comes the Night follows Wren, a soldier with healing magic whose life changes when she once again makes the mistake of letting her emotions get in the way of her job. In an attempt to save her life as she knows it and her country, she accepts employment from a mysterious foreign lord, leading her to meet her country’s enemy and fall into a dark plot where they must work together to save their kingdoms. While promising everything from a delectable gothic setting to a romance full of yearning worth rooting for, Down Comes the Night ultimately fell a bit short for me.

First of all, I think if you love beautiful writing, you will really appreciate the prose of this book. There were times, especially at the beginning, where there were endless paragraphs of extensive descriptions that bogged down the story, but it got better over time as more action happened. The details in Saft’s writing are vivid and luscious, and help make the creepy atmosphere feel more palpable, especially in parts where such atmosphere was lacking.

At the forefront of this book is Wren, who grapples with self-acceptance and handling her own emotions. I loved how throughout the story, she also had to decide what (or who) was good for her and what she needed for her personal fulfillment. Her arc involves themes regarding emotional strength and what that actually means, especially for women whose emotions are always dictated and scrutinized. While empowering and overall well-written, sometimes those messages were too on the nose for me, to the point where it got a bit annoying. Hal’s character was also interesting to me, particularly in how he carries the weighty legacy of war and struggles to meet the desires of a people desperate for salvation. It is this that makes Down Comes the Night compelling: its study of characters being forced to grow up in the shade of war, of what is deemed monstrous and what constitutes as strength and what deserves kindness, when war has a tight grasp on your identity and your life.

One of my main issues with Down Comes the Night, though, was that I didn’t care for the romance—the book started off strong but as it began to focus more on Wren and Hal’s relationship, it fell flat for me. I honestly didn’t feel the yearning between them, and while I thought they had a great dynamic, I felt that they would have been better off as friends. (Also, this is a bit more of a me thing, but I didn’t really love the power imbalance with how Hal was a war criminal while Wren was only a healer.) Because the romance was such a significant part of the plot and I felt so indifferent about it, this unfortunately tainted my opinion of the book as a whole.

Another major issue for me was that this was marketed as a gothic fantasy, and while there were creepy gothic vibes, it definitely was not as much as I was expecting. I actually enjoyed the book a lot when it delved into some more sinister things (such as exploring the mysterious house) or took on a darker atmosphere (as it did in the beginning), but for the most part, I wanted more. And I think part of the reason why this lacked the creepier quality I was looking for was because this book kind of just went all over the place—there was an ongoing war plus people disappearing plus a mysterious mansion plus a strange sickness; the expected gothic atmosphere would have been a lot more evident if the book had felt less chaotic, in my opinion.

While Down Comes the Night doesn’t live up to everything it promises, lacking in both its romance and atmosphere, it was still relatively enjoyable for me and explored interesting ideas. I’m not sure I would recommend this, because I honestly feel more indifferent about it than any other extreme feeling, but definitely go into this book with adjusted expectations about its supposed gothic-ness if you decide to pick it up, and hopefully you will find more enjoyment in its romance—and therefore the book as a whole—than I did.

I was recommended this book by a friend and it was SO GOOD! This book is enchantingly dark, and gothic. It was an easy read mixed with magic, medicine, rumors of war, lgtbq+ characters, and longing between the love interests. We follow Wren in a journey of redemption that very soon becomes more than she expected. With war threatening on the horizon, forbidden longing and desire, and lies around every corner, Wren has to trust her heart even when it promises to doom her. The more Wren seems to unravel, the more tangled she gets in the webs spun around her. Its up to Wren and a bitter soldier-turned friend (and perhaps more) to secure to future of their kingdoms before its too late.

Very interesting premise and and decent writing, I just lost Interest. Just was not for me, I guess. Still recommend for those who are interested.

This book was definitely an interesting read for me, and I'm a sucker for the gothic romance and fantasy genre. Wren Southerland, whose point of view the story is told from, was very likable to me. I was truly captivated by her struggle with compassion and morality, being part of the queen's army.
Overall the action introduced at the beginning of the book excited me and kept me engaged for much of the story, however I did find myself wishing that more boring parts of the story had been cut out prior to publishing. It took me around a month to read overall because I kept having to come back to pick the book up again to avoid skimming a number of the chapters.
One aspect of the novel which I was not expecting to enjoy was much as I did was the enemies-to-lovers trope which it follows, as I found myself deeply invested in Hal and Wren's relationship with one another. There is something so perfect about forbidden lovers in a dark atmospheric setting, and Down Comes the Night certainly delivers on that aspect. If I were to read this book solely for the romance, I think that I would have enjoyed it a great deal, however, an issue arose for me with the introduction of this element as a major plot line, as it often devalued the fantastical aspects of the novel.
Overall the story kept me engaged, but I would place that primarily on the characters rather than the plot itself, as I was more invested in their stories rather than the actual novel. The premise is unique, and the gothic setting truly shines with Saft's elegant prose. I should also add that the main character is bisexual, and it was really lovely to see such casual representation as someone who is bi myself.
I would certainly recommend this book for readers who are deeply invested in character development and romance as aspects of a novel, and less so in sweeping fantasy worlds that seem to jump off of the page, as this novel was unable to fulfill that for me personally.

I really enjoyed this debut! It's a dark gothic fantasy that I couldn't put down. Wren should have been the queen -- until her aunt stole the throne from her. Instead, she is a healer and uses her magic to help injured soldiers hurt in the war. Wren releases a prisoner of war and is punished by her aunt, who removes her from the army. She then receives an important letter that leads Wren to start questioning everything she thought she knew.

I don't usually like love triangles but I didn't mind it in this book. Wren, Hal and Una's relationship was fun and interesting -- and kept me on my toes to see which way Wren would go.

Occasionally the plot dragged a bit, but by the last third, it was fascinating. Would have liked a little more worldbuilding, but the characters really made the book shine.

I am obsessed with this book!
The perfect atmospheric read! I loved everything about it from the vibe, to the romance, to the setting and descriptions and to the rest of the characters!
Truly a wonderful read!

This review is probably going to be shorter and less detailed than I'd have liked, but back when I finished this I just didn't have it in me to write a review, so this is all I've got. Because I really just don't remember the details well enough, please look up trigger warnings from someone else, since the medical aspect of things can get a bit gross/gory for some people.

Down Comes the Night is a beautiful fantasy standalone, with a really fun enemies to lovers romance between the two main characters, Wren and Hal. It's got such a strong bi/pan energy (I can't remember if Wren's sexuality was ever labelled, but I don't believe it was on page), that I kept grinning with delight over little things that Wren would talk or think about.

I think that Saft has some of the most beautiful fantasy prose I've read in a while, her descriptions of everything from the medical details to the way Wren loves Una and Hal, to the descriptions of the creeping chill of Colwick Hall. They might have been a bit long at times, but the writing was so beautiful I really didn't mind it at all. The way she wrote the tension between Wren and Hal was absolutely DELIGHTFUL, I haven't been this thrilled with an enemies to lovers romance in a long time.

If you're looking for a beautifully written romantic fantasy, with a side of horror and science, this is the book for you. Or if you just love enemies to lovers, because this book nails that perfectly.

I live for creepy reads like this that don't kill you with the scare factor, but still give you the chills, so Down Comes the Night excited me. The magic system is very unique, and I enjoyed how it meshed with science. BUT there were many plot inconsistencies that were jarring. I feel like I need a map of this world because everything is described as being very far away and isolated, but also very close together. Wren as a character is quite frustrating. She didn't grow in any kind of meaningful way. She can't decide what kind of person she wants to be, and pretty much makes all her decisions hoping to be loved by others. Yes, we all want to be loved, but not at the expense of who we are. That's not a lesson that a book like this should be pushing towards readers. If you have to change yourself so that people love you, then you're going after the wrong people. Don't be like Sandy from Grease, who did a complete fashion and personality 180 to make Danny love her. I just wanted soooo much more from this, because it really sounded like it had the potential to be this amazingly atmospheric, romantic mystery.

Down Comes the Night was a lush, atmospheric experience with unforgettable characters that I fell in love with.

Wren, a healer serving her country as a soldier, abandons her post when she discovers she is being sent to work in the mines as a punishment for healing a prisoner, who then escapes. She flees to an ancient castle, where she is asked to heal a young man who is the latest in a string of sick servants at this castle. As Wren begins to uncover the truth about what is really happening, she must determine where her loyalties lie, and what it means to be true to your own convictions. I'm hesitant to say more because I don't want to spoil anything.

I loved this book. I loved the twists and turns in the plot, and this book would be perfect to read on a stormy night or as a snowstorm is happening outside your window. All of the characters seemed to have more than one side to them, and it was up to the reader alongside Wren to decide who really was good/bad or neither.

I also loved how the main character was bi. We need more of that. And it was really well done here.

I enjoyed this book well enough. I loved the atmosphere of the setting. Gothic feels. I am not into toxic relationships and the one Wren has with her love interest is toxic in my opinion. Una doesn't really give off any "I care about you vibes" to Wren. She is very cold to her and standoffish. I suppose it comes with being a soldier? I never been one so I am unsure. Regardless I felt no relationship. Other than that I would recommend this book as a fall read. The creepy vibes and the mystery would be perfect for that season.

Thank you Netgalley for an e-arc of this book.

ALERT: If you love a good old fashioned enemies to lovers romance, this is for you!

Starting out, the first couple of chapters hadn’t fully hooked me yet, you know? I was in, but I wasn’t obsessed (YET). Honestly, though, around the 15% mark, something “clicked” for me and I was all in. I could barely be wrenched away from my kindle to do anything because all I wanted was to devour this gorgeous, gothic little fantasy story with its lovable, magical characters and intricate world. The descriptions of the estate, Colwick Hall. Hal Cavendish; I just loved him. Gotta love the broody and mysterious “bad boy.”

One off thing for me was the pacing in here felt weird to me at times, specifically with the relationships developing. I always knew what was going to develop but I expected it to go more slowly than it did, and that left me a little disappointed. BUT, there were THINGS that have HAPPENED that may make up for it idk.

Overall, I really enjoyed this and recommend.

A debut like no other!

I really enjoyed this gothic fantasy. I felt thoroughly enthralled with it the entire time and read it in one sitting. I liked the tropes in this one, such as the murder mystery aspect and the enemies to lovers romance. Down Comes the Night is one of my favorite reads of 2021 and I hope everyone gives it a chance.

5 stars.

Full review to be posted soonish.

I would like to thank the publisher and netgalley for providing me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve tried several times to get into this book, but I never make it past the second chapter. There seems to be a lot of exposition rather than a natural depiction of the relationships.

Wren Southerland had lost everything with reckless use of magic in the past, so she is eager to redeem herself when asked to cure a servant at Colwick Hall. Her patient turns out to be Hal Cavendish, her kingdom’s sworn enemy. Hal also came to Colwick Hall for redemption, and the two will have to work together to save their kingdoms.

It's sad that Wren is disgraced after healing an injured captive child that is suspected of being a spy. To compound the error, she disregards orders her aunt the queen gives her, taking off for Colwick Hall in the hopes of securing an alliance for her kingdom and saving face. Hal is the deadliest killer of Vesria and a rising star in their political arena before he disappeared, just as warriors on both sides have. Both Vesria and Danu have used child soldiers as killers in their war against each other, and teach them that emotions, compassion and mercy are weaknesses that should be stamped out.

As a combat medic, Wren often uses the scientific terms for body parts, and it includes the vessels that are used to channel magic. She definitely thinks like a healer, fixing the damage done to Hal and finding herself unable to kill him outright. This means that she gets to know him, and the creepy Lord Lowry gets more and more sinister. Nothing is what Wren thought it would be, and she relies on her magic and her sense of rightness to move forward, just as Hal wants to pay for his crimes.


The end was tied up neatly, almost too neatly, and some of the change of hearts didn't feel natural to what we know of their characters at all. I let it go, but I think if those potential changes were telegraphed ahead of time this would have been a perfect book.

dnf at 140 pages

I have been putting off this review for so long, simply because I don't know what to say about this book. The second I decided to give up on it, all memories regarding the characters, plot and even what I didn't like about it disappeared from my brain.

Down Comes the Night chronicles the life of Wren Southerland who lives in a gothic fantasy world in the midst of an endless war. After being cast out from the Queen's guard, she is sent to a mansion with the purpose of using her special healing magic on one of the servants. However, she soon realises that this servant is Hal Cavendish- her enemy. From there, romance, mystery and magic ensues (allegedly- I didn't get that far to confirm)

I have been trying to look for some justifiable and legitimate reason for my abandonment of the book, but the honest truth is that I have none other than the fact that I was bored. I didn't necessarily have overly high expectations, but those I did have were a bit misleading. I personally didn't feel that eerie, gothic atmosphere or the angsty enemies-to-lovers promised. Instead, I was left wading through pages upon pages of confusing info-dumps of characters, places and history with nothing to anchor me to the story itself.

It is very well possible that if I continued on I would enjoy it more, but I just could not bring myself to push through it. Perhaps a few years from now I will get the urge to try it again and will end up appreciating the slow burn more. But for now, I am happy in placing this solidly in the Did Not Finish (and Probably Never Will) category.

That all being said, if you are interested in this book I wouldn't let this review necessarily put you off. I would recommend trying the first chapter or too before buying/borrowing it and seeing if you care for the writing and characters.

Thank you to St Martin's Press for this ARC

Release Date: 2 March 2021

Down Comes the Night was one of my most anticipated releases of this year. While I do think the overall premise was super cool and promising, for me this did not deliver the punch I wanted it to. However, I'm interested to see what the author does in the future because her writing style was very accessible.

This story is pitched as a gothic enemies to lovers story. Our main character is a healer and summoned away to the sick bed of a servant to a very important individual. From the start, she arrives to this remote castle setting and she realizes things aren't what they appear.

My issues with this book is I just could not get behind these characters. I was completely detached. I normally love a good enemies to lovers, but that just wasn't the case here. I also felt the setting could have been more atmospheric and creepy, but it wasn't laid out that way which was lost potential. It also had a mystery plot going, which I didn't find very mysterious at all.

Overall, I'm giving this 3 stars. I didn't hate the book, just didn't love it either.

I absolutely love love love that the main character in this book, Wren, was portrayed as empathetic and sensitive. As a empathetic and often emotional person myself, it was so wonderful to see a main character with those same traits (and still be awesome!)!! Seeing her grow and accept these traits made me so happy and I think it was done really well.
I think the plot moved relatively quickly, and I loved the setting! It was creepy and sinister and so atmospheric! The other characters were well-developed and I loved the slow-burn of Wren and Hal learning to trust each other. The mystery was intriguing and the plot moved pretty quickly! I felt I had a good understanding of the world without any info-dumping and the world itself was unique!

The premise of this one had me really excited and I really wanted to love this one, I really did but unfortunately I just could not fall in love with it like I had hoped. It has enemies to lovers which is my favorite thing in the entire world to read about but sadly several elements just fell flat to me. I also could not connect with the characters like that and it just added to my mood as I was reading it.

I think it for sure has interesting elements that will hopefully be appealing to other readers, it just did not work for me. However, I would be open to reading other books from the author as I could tell that they are a promising talent!

I had to read this book two times, because at first, I was pretty sure it would be a DNF for me.
The character's bisexuality felt very less explored (you have Wren interacting with the woman she alledgedly loves only at the beginning and the end) and very dominant on the wlm-part. For me, this was slightly dissappointing; I had hoped to see more interacting of Wren with another female.
The writing was nice; the characters were... Well, in my opinion there was nothing exceptionally speical about them. It does come as little surprise to me that I liked Hal almost immediatly, but over the course of the book his character felt falling down.
Since the writing was still well done and I especially loved the dedication to Masashi Kishimoto at the end of the book, I settled for three stars - and am left wondering of which characters the author was thinking while writing this story.

I received a free copy by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.