It was an interesting book. Ending on a bittersweet note, It had the type of pace that one would call cozy, however it was a love story about star crossed lovers I found endearing. It could be called cozy horror. Because It felt cozy at first but ended in a way one would describe as horror

Thanks to NetGalley & Evernight Teen for providing an eARC! This is a voluntarily provided honest review.

The Hanging Night draws a lot on the major arcana of tarot, with twin flames cursed across lifetimes.

I think the origin of the curse was really well done, and I wish the story spent way more time in that lifetime. I would have loved to see the Empress fall in love, truly, instead of this repeated insta-love that happened for her, then for Josie's mom & dad, then AGAIN for Josie and Caius. It was repetitive and I already dislike insta-love.

I could not stay in a realm of belief for the curse originating in.... West Virginia? Historically speaking, there just weren't Emperors and Empresses in America. So this just really made it hard to follow.

The ending was very unsatisfying. It just ENDS. There are clearly things happening in the background that could have impacted the story, but instead we get Caius being like "peace out".

The modern day portions of it (most of it) I found really unsatisfying. The original Emperor/Empress/Death/Fool/Lovers could have been a great story on it's own.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC. I had a hard time with finishing the book and ended up not reading until the end. The story felt confusing and the plot was way too slow and all over the place. I think the storyline was a good idea, but maybe should be more refined? The writing was good overall. 2.5 stars.

The Hanging Night unfolds as a poignant exploration of love and loss After Josephine Blair loses her mother, she has to move in with her two aunts in Bridgeport, A small town in West Virginia. Shortly thereafter she meets and falls for the towns “bad boy” Caius Duke. They realize their story is much bigger than just the two of them, and that something wants to keep them apart. it's fated lovers so instalove is to be expected, but I would have liked a little more development or tension instead of rushing things

After Josephine Blair loses her mother, she has to move in with her two aunts in Bridgeport, A small town in West Virginia. Shortly thereafter she meets and falls for the towns “bad boy” Caius Duke. They realize their story is much bigger than just the two of them, and that something wants to keep them apart.

This very much is an instant of not the right book for me, rather than a book just not being that good. The Hanging Night is a very intense and angsty story about two teenagers, who pretty much instantly falls for each other, which is honestly one of my least favorite tropes in stories.

That being said, I do realize and acknowledge that other people will absolutely enjoy the hell out of this story, and I truly hope that it’s you. If you are a fan of angsty romantasy, this will be right up your alley so I definitely suggest you give it a shot!

Big thanks to Netgalley, Evernight Teen, and the authors Sasha Gibbs and Christina Hooker for allowing me to read an E-Arc of this novel.

✰ 3 stars! ✰
I requested this book for the supernatural element, and it delivered. The fantasy/witchy aspects of this book were definitely my favourite part, with the parallels seen from the preface and the main story. It was an easy read although I didn't enjoy the pacing. For the romance, I know it's fated lovers so instalove is to be expected, but I would have liked a little more development or tension instead of rushing things. That may just be a personal thing, though. I would recommend this if you're interested in tragic romance, the idea of the red string of fate, and witches.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I deeply enjoyed this book. I was super interested by the description and the cover is really beautiful, and I wasn't disappointed. I love a good romantasy, I love curses. I love magic and witches. And this book has it all. The different POVs are great and help give the characters more delicious depth. I wish I had more time with the story and character, but the shorter length kept it short, sweet, and engaging.

I am truly thankful for netgalley and the publishers for the e-arc.

I was so excited to receive a copy of this book, but unfortunately did not love it as much as I thought I would. I had a very hard time with the flow and pacing of the story. I also could not resonate (highly annoyed actually) with the female main character. I hope to be able to try it again in a few months and hopefully leave a better review.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5 stars, rounded to 4)

The Hanging Night unfolds as a poignant exploration of love and loss, skillfully weaving a narrative that captivates with its raw emotional intensity. At the heart of the story is the beautifully portrayed relationship between Caius and Josie—a pure connection that resonates with readers on a profound level. I found myself hoping for a love like theirs at many points throughout the story; something where you just know.

Hibb's and Hooker's ability to craft the nuances of Caius and Josie's relationship is commendable. The little parallels that thread through their story add depth and authenticity, creating a bond that feels both tender and genuine. The devastating ending, while emotionally taxing, is a testament to the their skill in eliciting a visceral response from the reader.

The narration of The Hanging Night is also standout feature. The switching POVs kept things interesting; though also, sometimes, confusing. Despite that, the lines are crafted with a poignant beauty that lingers in the mind long after the book is closed. I must also admit that Caius's internal monologue made me laugh out loud a couple of times.

However, the novel is not without its flaws. The pacing, while perhaps intentional and fitting in its connection to the twin flame theme, may deter some readers who prefer a more realistic narrative. The dialogue occasionally feels off-putting, and the characterization, while generally well-done, may leave room for improvement.

That being said, personal taste may play a role in one's enjoyment of this book. While I found The Hanging Night to be an engaging read, the elements that didn't quite align with my genre preferences might explain why I didn't wholly adore it. I certainly don't have any other criticisms beyond the ones I've already stated. Nevertheless, for those drawn to stories of profound love and heartbreaking conclusions, this novel offers a satisfying, albeit emotionally challenging, experience.