I tried really hard to love this one because I have adored everything else Emily Rath has written, but it just wasn't my jam. It took months to get through because I kept stopping and starting because it didn't hold my attention.
I really struggled to get into it and persevered for a lot longer than I normally would hoping to vibe but try as I might, it wasn't happening. I genuinely really enjoy folklore/mythology based stories but I think I just got a bit lost in it all with this one.
The relationship between Aina and Siiri wasn't one I was invested in, there was so much happening it got overwhelming, and so many characters I kept forgetting who was who.
I think I went into this expecting more romance, so was disappointed that wasn't the case.
I have no doubt others will love this one, it just wasn't for me.

I loved this new book by emily rath, her transition into fantasy has been a success! I loves all the lore and descriptions of the world and the strength of the characters!

I'm a huge fan of Emily's so I was excited to see her branch into fantasy, but unfortunately this didn't hit for me in the way I hoped it would. I also think that the incorrect marketing (saying it was a sapphic romance and feminist novel) also had me expecting more.

I'm a bit on the fence: rich world-building and emotional depth, but the pacing can be uneven, some parts feeling repetitive and a bit boring.
There's potential and I loved the character and world development
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

4.25 ⭐

North is the Night took me by surprise, but in the best way. I’ve read Emily Rath’s romance books before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from this shift in genre, but it’s clear that Rath’s talent as a writer shines no matter the setting. Her voice is strong, consistent, and confident throughout, and I ended up enjoying this book more than I anticipated.

Told through dual POVs, the story immerses you in a rich, atmospheric world rooted in Finnish mythology, weaving together threads of lore, paganism, and Christianity in a way that feels both grounded and otherworldly. The pacing was well-balanced, and the writing style was fluid and engaging, making it hard to put down.

Between the two female main characters, I was especially drawn to Aina. Her storyline with the King of Death captivated me, and I found myself wishing that part had been explored even further. Siiri, while well-developed, tested my patience at times. I found her stubbornness frustrating, and more than once, I wanted to shake her! As for their love story, I wasn’t fully convinced. Their connection felt more platonic than romantic to me, though I appreciated the emotional depth both characters brought to the narrative.

Despite that, I have very few complaints. This is a well-crafted, atmospheric book with a compelling voice and a richly developed world. I’m eagerly awaiting the second book. North is the Night has set the stage for what could become a truly unforgettable series.

Thank you to the publisher Quercus Books, Arcadia and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

North is the Night thrives on its emotionally resonant characters. While both of our POV characters have strong arcs, Aina stood out as the most compelling lead. Her journey through Tuonela is quieter but richer, full of strategic thinking, emotional growth, and slow revelations. Her chapters felt like unravelling an ancient tale, piece by piece.

Siiri, on the other hand, delivers action, rage, and urgency. Her desperation to save her Aina propels her through treacherous terrain and emotional turmoil, creating a dynamic contrast to Aina’s internal struggle.

The real scene-stealers, though, are the death gods Tuoni and Vainnomen. They aren’t simple villains. They’re tragic, burdened by fate, and aching for freedom. Their grey morality gives the novel a unique emotional edge.

Special mention also goes to the evolving relationships: Siiri’s unexpected bond with the bear-shaman, and Aina’s emotional connection with Loviathor, both blossoming into heartfelt found-family dynamics.

North is the Night follows two interconnected plotlines: Siiri journeys through a frostbitten world to find a shaman who can help her cross into the land of the dead and rescue Aina. Whilst Aina is trapped in Tuonela, the mythic underworld, uncovering truths about the death gods, the Witch Queen, and her own fate.

This dual structure creates a well-paced rhythm: Siiri’s journey is full of tension and external conflict, while Aina’s arc offers introspection and mystery. Together, they build a story of sacrifice, sisterhood, and survival against otherworldly odds.

Emily Rath’s prose feels like a folktale in motion. Lyrical, atmospheric, and deeply rooted in myth. The world of Tuonela is vividly brought to life, with glowing riverbanks, echoing halls, and shadowy rituals.

While the writing occasionally slows during the more introspective scenes, it suits the novel’s overall tone being dreamlike, dark, and enchanting. Siiri’s chapters feel more visceral and fast-paced, while Aina’s are gentle, quiet, and reflective.

The novel explores several weighty themes such as love and sacrifice take centre stage, expressed through family, friendship, and found family. Grief and fate are woven throughout, particularly in how characters grapple with their destinies and losses. The afterlife is depicted as both a place of punishment and potential rebirth, tying into larger discussions about death, legacy, and power.

The shaman magic, including tattoos and ritual drums, adds a distinct cultural layer to the novel’s exploration of witchcraft and spiritual belief.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
North is the Night is a beautifully written, mythologically rich novel that blends emotional depth with atmospheric worldbuilding. While not perfect, it’s a strong, thoughtful fantasy that leaves the door open for sequels and deeper explorations of this fascinating world.

This book fits squarely in mythic and folklore-inspired fantasy. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy:

Finnish or Norse mythology
Soft magic systems
Emotional, character-driven storytelling
Atmospheric settings over fast-paced action
If you liked The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec or Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, this may be your next great read.

Would I read more? Definitely. I’d love to return to Tuonela and see what lies ahead for these characters.

North Is the Night is a masterfully crafted journey through myth, magic, and the enduring power of friendship. Emily Rath delivers a breathtaking story inspired by Finnish folklore, pulling readers into the icy depths of Tuonela and the fire-forged bond between Aina and Siiri. The setting is captivating, while the emotional stakes hit with devastating force.

Emily’s writing is lyrical. Aina’s transformation in the face of captivity and danger is gripping, and Siiri’s unwavering determination makes her a heroine you can't help but root for. The chemistry between these two characters is beautiful yet complex, and reading their story is such a joy.

Fans of feminist retellings and myth-inspired fantasy will be spellbound. North Is the Night is the kind of story that lingers long after the final page and you can’t wait for the second (and final) book of this duopogy.

I love folklore, and I didn’t know a lot about folklore in Finland. This was an amazing read. I loved the pace and the story flipping between Aina and Siiri. The characters develop and grow throughout the book. I loved the death goddesses and the world where they reside. Aina was my favourite character, she sacrificed herself so Siiri could survive and then chose to free the King of the Underworld so that the other girls could be free. She character developed the most. I am definitely committed to reading the other part of the duet.

I dnfd this unfortunately. I was very much looking forward to new book from Emily Rath because I LOVE her Jacksonville Rays series; however, I couldn't look past the religion talk and negative connotations put on certain types of people.

Although this was an enjoyable read, with good characters and a well told story, I feel like there are similar books already available that have that extra “oomph” to them.
I fear that this is a book that could easily be forgotten in a genre such as this.
Still worth a read, but not one that will stay in my head in the longer term.
I would certainly read more from this author in the future.

The description has me enticed but it fell flat for me sadly. I feel this should have been marketed differently.
Meh, hope others can enjoy it or see something different to me.

A fascinating, compelling, and enchanting story that won me over with its evocative writing, magical settings, and intense, involving characters. A read that captivated me, keeping me glued to the pages and leaving me deeply satisfied!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

It's fairly rare to get a story underpinned by Finnish mythology so I really enjoyed being able to explore this different perspective as part of a fantasy novel. There were some familiar tropes but the story was different enough to be interesting, and I really liked the characters, particularly the Siiri storyline. A great LGBTQ+ narrative as well.

Great characters good storyline. Hooked from the first chapter. Thanks for letting me review. Would continue the series

North is The Night is Finnish mythology that brings in touches of a dark, mythical fantasy. The novel is easy to get into and it plays out really well
The characters are created with a realistic touch and the slow burn romance with Aina and Siiri was developed really well. The world created within this novel is full of lavish descriptions and it really helps the storyline play out.

A very good fantasy book with well rounded characters, plot, and setting. The amount of detail and care put into these pages were very apparent!

North Is The Night was the first novel by Emily Rath that I had read. I love a good, dark, mythical fantasy and this is what was promised here. The main character Siiri was well drawn, and her slow-burn romance with her best friend Aina was tenderly orchestrated. There were definite feminist themes throughout this book, and I loved the way Rath wove elements of Finnish mythology into the narrative. The wild and breathtakingly beautiful landscape was vivid, and I was transported to another world.

A magical fantasy tale of female friendship, conflicting loves and loyalties. Woven through with Finnish mythology and told with gorgeous prose. Half way through, I thought Aina's tale was done, and wondered how the second half of the book was going to resolve the girls' seemingly divergent paths. I wasn't disappointed.
A glorious tale to savour.

In this fantasy adventure, based on Finnish folk tales, Aina and Siiri – childhood best friends – face the old Finnish gods that their fellow countrymen and women had been losing faith in since the Swedes invaded their country, bringing their Christian God with them.

The story is told from the two perspectives of the friends, as Aina is kidnapped by a Death Goddess and must try to survive the land of the dead, Tuonela, and a mad queen who plans to sacrifice her and other young girls for fun. Meanwhile Siiri embarks on a quest to save her friend by finding a legendary shaman and bringing back the old gods to the land they seem to have forsaken.

It is a story of fierce femininity of ALL kinds – soft, strong, sharp, powerful, rough, gentle, kind, cruel – and of all kinds of love too. Love between a man and woman, between women, between parent and child, between mentor and disciple, between humanity and their gods. The storytelling is compelling, incorporating folklore and mythology into a powerful new legendary tale.

For a while, towards the start of the story, I thought this was a teen/YA coming-of-age story, then I thought it was more of a dark romantasy of the adult kind. Actually, it is both of those, and a fairytale, and an LGBTQIA love story, and probably more besides. I would recommend North is the Night for those who like stories of death, the underworld, goddesses and heroines, and women-centred narratives of all kinds.

That book was brilliant! I highly recommend it to those of you that want an immersive experience in the depths of Finnish mythology and folklore!