I love the idea of a deeply and intricately woven folktale.
While I admit, I went into this story blind.
I came out enlightened, and deeply intoxicated by all the Finnish mysteries that Rath has woven.
I absolutely loved the way the story developed, though I was disappointed that it was the not the love story I wanted for the characters.
I do wish for Tuoni, the god of blessed death, to get a happy ever after. So I was discontent with Sirri and Ainas blossoming relationship.. that's not to say it wasn't written well, it's just unexpected and I wish they had remained only friends, friends that have each others backs. Friends like sisters.

The story however was beautiful, I've never read anything quite like it.
While I have already shared my disappointment, I do feel that perhaps it was necessary to create a different approach, rather than it just be Tuoni and Ainas love story, it twisted off that route and became something other. Something more.
Although I perhaps still don't understand how one can love without that same love taking a part of your soul. I love my husband with my whole heart and my whole soul. There is no difference to me. I have a love that consumes me.
As do Aina and Tuoni, and Aina and Sirri.
I wasn't even aware that the relationship was soul bound love until about halfway through the book. So I was taken by surprise, and I at once hate and love you for that Rath. You blindsided me with this rich tale I was unable to tear away from, and even though my own heart broke at ending chapters, I understand why you took this journey for the characters. They cannot live without each other, and will fight to the death to be by each others side. I think that is sweet and beautiful. I understand it.

I know I'm probably coming across as judgemental to all the other readers, if they even get this far through my review, but I am honestly not.
I am respectful to all and appreciate the minimal intimacy you shared with us, leaving it up to us to think about how their relationship will work out. Testing the waters and all that.

I loved all the death gods/esses, especially Loviatar, she was a light in the dark all by herself. She was the goddess of illness, but wished for nothing other than her own childs safety.
I loved the dark and devoid of real-life realm of Tuonela. It was equal parts dark and delightful. I've never really given much thought as to where our souls will end up, but the thought of becoming a walking dead soul, fills me with both intrigue and panic.

The tale you have given us, will stay with me. For I cling to the darkest aspects of my life as much as I war for the light.
There can be no light without dark.

It's not often I fight an internal war over my hopes and dreams for a fictitious character.
Part of me wanted to see the darkness be enlightened by Aina. See the real realm of death under her hand.
The other wanted her to be free so badly I feared she never would be. That thought made me sad.

I do recommend this book, perhaps to a mature audience, as it depicts a lot of darkness & death, war & gore and some attempted grapes.

Full of all the incredible world building, nods to the LGBTQ community, and I'd say it's a winner.

I am very curious as to what it would be like to witness the story in a show or movie, It has strong compelling vibes that would relay well on screen.

I am honoured and grateful to have read this book as an ARC reader. I only apologise that my review is late. Poor health and such.

I hope you all will enjoy the story, with all it's twists and turns, it's an incredible start to the duet.

I look forward to book 2.
4 stars.

Unfortunately, my expectations were very different from what the book was. I expected a sapphic book, because it was advertised as such, but it wasn't sapphic/queer. Also, I didn't really understand why the Sámi were made out to be the enemy, when they're the Natives of that region.
Also, the CWs are not accurate (pregnancy).

The plot of this book and the setting was so unique as I knew nothing about Finnish mythology before diving into this book. It is refreshing to see something so original when the fantasy market is saturated with carbon copies of each other. This is the first book in a duet and ended on a really satisfying note but still left me wanting to know what happens next.

I also loved the romance element - especially LGBT romance and found it to be believable. Siiri and Aina Will forever be in my heart

Emily Rath’s North Is the Night is a richly atmospheric feminist fantasy that skillfully blends Finnish mythology, lyrical prose, and emotionally grounded character arcs. Fans of Katherine Arden’s Winternight trilogy and Naomi Novik’s Spinning Silver will feel right at home in this icy, enchanted world where the strength of friendship is as powerful as any magic.

What sets this story apart is its emotional depth. Rath explores female agency, romantic yearning, and the brutal realities of myth through characters who feel painfully real, even in a world of spirits and curses. Siiri’s journey is a visceral survival saga powered by grit and loyalty, while Aina’s arc offers a surprising and compelling romantic development with Tuoni, the melancholic god of death. Rather than relying on tired tropes, Rath gives us two heroines whose courage looks very different, and equally heroic.

The pacing leans toward the deliberate side, especially in the middle, but the payoff is worth the slow burn. The worldbuilding is immersive without being overwhelming, and Rath’s prose, elegant, moody, and often poetic, complements the novel’s wintery, liminal tone.

North Is the Night is a moving, mythic story about the bonds between women, the cost of love, and the struggle to bring light into the darkest places. It’s both a sweeping adventure and an intimate character study, and an impressive entry in the growing canon of literary feminist fantasy.

I cannot tell you how many times I ended up trying to get through this book. Ultimately accepted that it's just not for me and DNF'd

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.