Akwaeke Emezi really drew me in with this premise. I already loved them as a writer, and I've been craving a thoughtful and interesting paranormal romance for some time now. They use their signature lyrical prose to build a mythical setting in Salvation and the lore of the Kincaids. I found their writing and storytelling to be most successful when it came to Gali and her family's history. The magic of the land, the creek, and the women who raised her was so deeply thoughtful and interesting. Where Emezi lost me a bit was the city setting, I found I was yearning for something a bit more mystical and strange that a loft apartment and Lucifer and the princes of Hell as security guards, just didn't provide for me. I honestly wish this book was longer, I think we needed to develop the significance of the mask more, how Lucifer and his princes came to be here (which is briefly mentioned by our unnamed narrator before their identity is revealed). That leads me to my next point: too many POV changes. Multi-POVs stories can be done, but this one felt as if the additional perspectives outside the two main characters were meant to serve as easy ways to keep the reader up to speed with what was going on. I'm thinking specifically of the antagonist's chapters. Everything was explained, and the reader didn't get to sit and suspense with Gali and Lucifer, it almost felt like I was reading spoilers. I can't help but wonder if there was a better way to do this with just three POVs (Gali, Lucifer, and Levi). I want to end this review with some serious praise: the spicy seems were immaculate! I felt so immersed and the care which was given to writing them was palpable. Bravo!

This book felt messy and disjointed. The overall writing was ok but nothing great. The best writing was the sex scenes. Overall there's some DEEPLY problematic things going on and a lack of TW for incest is wild. The only thing I enjoyed how how gay everything was.

*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC! All opinions are my own.* I really enjoyed this book. I wish I could have gotten more of the Kincaid family and their history or more in depth of what they do. I would have loved seeing more of the devil and his family’s relationship too. I also enjoyed the devil vs the angels parts of the story. I wish we got more of the two main character’s relationship development. But overall it was a really entertaining and enjoyable book!

This was a fast-paced, spicy paranormal romance that I genuinely enjoyed. The premise—Galilee uncovering her true identity while caught between Lucifer and a Prince of Hell—was dramatic, engaging, and hard to put down. The world-building showed promise, with intriguing magical and religious elements, even if they weren’t fully fleshed out.

Galilee is a self-aware and likable heroine, and the spice was steamy but tastefully done, enhancing the story without overshadowing it. The emotional chemistry between characters felt real, though the insta-love leaned a little too intensely, especially given that the story unfolds over just a few days.

Multiple POVs added a fun twist to an otherwise familiar paranormal setup. With only 320 pages, it’s a quick, entertaining read that’s easy to follow and perfect for fans of the genre.

spice level: 3.5 stars

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC—this is my honest review.

Absolutely devoured this. Thank you so much to Netgalley for accepting my request, as always, Akwaeke never disappoints!! I became a fan after reading Pet and from then on I read all her projects. I was so excited when she made this announcement because I knew she was going to nail it… and she certainly did. The prose was absolutely phenomenal, the characters were so well written and complex (and hot lol) that I couldn’t put it down. Amazing!!!!

Remarkable. How Akwaeke Emezi writes the most uniquely imagined fiction is nothing short of a miracle. You don’t come across talent like this everyday. I’ve ready about 4 of this author’s books at this point, and I’ve enjoyed every single one.

She makes the taboo palatable and she is divinely ordained with the gift of knowing what’s sexy and making it so.

I sometimes have complicated feelings when I’m reading her novels, because the characters are never completely positive or negative—good or evil. This novel features roles a bit more clear cut, yet more ambiguous than ever.

For 20% of the story my gut was roiling wondering why we were getting so much intimate detail that foreboded heartbreak. By the later 30% of the novel, I knew. And I absolutely adored this chosen direction. These strings peppered throughout and married so neatly, I wondered how I could have assumed any other way.

No one has anything on this novel, on the wealth of imagination pulsing through Akwaeke Emezi’s mind. They say the devil’s in the details, and I gotta say…he’s just a guy, flaws and all. Much in the same way Gali’s just a girl. Sorta, kinda, not at all.

Key takeaway: we really ain’t shit without

On second thought — I feel that levi didn’t have much of a personality outside of being loyal and being a lover. I don’t love when characters function as primary to a plot but only exist to readers as they help further the MCs’ story. So my hope is for a second book that isn’t so rooted in backstory & history. So we can better understand Levi, and even Gali who for most of the novel is confused, used, and quite frankly — horny. What does she have in common with the MMCs outside of sex? What does her life look like now that she knows herself? Is she happy?

A lot of these characters function on vengeance and they’re quite mean to each other so it’s hard to see that dynamic juxtaposed against these ideas of love and care. I understand that is part of the point, but I prefer more illustrated character studies & arcs.

Throughly enjoyed this paranormal romance by Akwaeke Emezi. We have Galilee who falls for the Devil and then one of his prices, Leviathan. I was not expecting a throuple so pleasantly surprised. The plot hooked me and although it’s short it packed a punch, I flew through this one. 4.5 stars!

Ate this one right up! Not only am I a massive Akwaeke fan, but I'm a sucker for books with angels and demons. There is just enough world building to set the story up while not weighing it down. I got swept up in it so quickly and was sad when it ended. I could definitely read an entire series with these characters. Didn't expect it to be so spicy, but was not disappointed!

There are so many wonderful aspects of Son of the Morning! The relationships, the queer rep, the story itself - all quite wonderful.

Starting with the relationships, though the romance was that of an average paranormal romance, the friendships and family relationships were lovely. Bonbon and Oriakụ were such good friends - to each other and so Galilee. I love how they each had their own personalities and hobbies, instead of being cardboard cutouts meant to take up space. And the relationships the Kincaid women had. Darling Kincaid cares for all her children and grandchildren, whether blood or not, which is quite admirable. Most of them care about every member of the Kincaid family, even though their care can be quite overbearing to Galilee at times.

Moving onto the queer rep, which is written very well. The queer characters, the queer relationships, the normality of being queer? I love it, as it adds so much color to the world! Also, the story. The overarching story of Galilee finding out who she really is and finding her place is developed well.

No matter how good a book is, it will have some cons. The con here is the romance - which is such an average romance for a paranormal romance books. Instalust and a hot, broody male lead. Perhaps this will appeal to some people, but it just doesn't appeal to me. So, while Son of the Morning is a great book, it just isn't my cup of tea.

Readers of the paranormal romance genre, who enjoy seeing beautiful friendships, supportive family members, and queer characters will most likely enjoy Son of the Morning.

Thank you to the author, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC for a honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

📚✨ ARC Book Review ✨📚

🖤 Akwaeke Emezi delivers a scorching, soul-shaking paranormal romance set in the lush, gothic beauty of the Black South 🌿🏞️. Galilee Kincaid, a tender soul raised by a powerful clan of Black women, feels the ache of a hidden truth inside her...until she locks eyes with Lucifer Helel—yes, that Lucifer 😈🔥.

From the swamps of Salvation to the depths of Hell 🌀🕯️, this tale spirals into dark magic, ancestral secrets, forbidden desire, and divine warfare ⚔️✨. Gali and Lucifer’s chemistry is explosive—think star-crossed lovers, but with wings and fire 💥💋🪽.

Enter: Leviathan 🐍—Lucifer’s right hand and ruthless enforcer. His mission? Destroy Gali before she can unravel everything. But secrets don’t stay buried long... and neither do destinies.

🪷 Themes:
💘 Forbidden love
🌪️ Power and identity
👁️ Hidden legacies
🔥 Seduction and cosmic consequences

This book is dark, seductive, and utterly unforgettable—a genre-defying mix of romance, myth, and raw emotion 💔⚡

Okay, so "Son of the Morning" SLAPPED. I'm a huge fan of Emezi's work, and this one might be my fave yet! They weave fantasy and world-building into a contemporary setting so well. The paranormal stuff, based on Christian theology, is super intriguing. I NEED a sequel just for this world.
And the romance? FOR THE GIRLS AND THE GAYS! If you're tired of love triangles and think, "Why can't they just all get together?" READ THIS. Galilee, Lucifer, and Leviathan's dynamic is chef's kiss. Emezi's characters are always complex and compassionate. Reading their books feels like being loved in every way.
This is like Beverly Jenkin's FMCs, queer paranormal romance, Black Southern gothic, and Christian theology had a baby. If that sounds good, get it!
The FMC is mysterious and trying to figure out who she is, and there's a nice identity crisis twist. The characters are fun, diverse, and have their own baggage. You're not gonna get a ton of character development, but enough to enjoy it. The angels and demons trope is done SO well. And the spice is SPICY! Be ready for it. I loved this as an ARC and think it's gonna blow up on release. READ IT!

oh dear.

akwaeke emezi is my favorite author and i was thrilled to receive this ARC in exchange for my review. they can truly write across the genres with such precision, i am astounded by their talent.

this book is not the best representation of their capabilities, in my opinion.

i am not someone who buys into romance with “insta-love” as one of the primary drivers but this leans heavily into “beloved after first meeting” without Emezi’s typical depth in building character and nuance that leads to tension.

this was also a pretty straight forward romantasy, so i can imagine it will absolutely land for those seeking a book that sweeps you off your feet by a handsome stranger with secrets that can’t get enough of you.

the plot pacing felt all over the place for me, rapid at the very start then a bit meandering in the middle while the characters decided what they needed their next steps to be. there wasn’t enough invested in setting up the stakes of the plot so instead of important, it all felt very one note.

there was so much opportunity but ultimately i did not like this book very much and don’t feel like it’s representative of Emezi’s specific excellence in balancing depth of character with compelling plot.

*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC! All opinions are my own.*

Akwaeke Emezi can truly do IT ALL. Any genre. Any age range. They have no limits.

I really enjoyed Son of the Morning! Emezi’s writing is so sensuous and the themes they explore in many of their other works (familial love, romantic love, intimacy, identity and growing into oneself, etc.) I think are so well suited to the fantasy romance genre. And that absolutely translates here.

The only real issue I have is that the pacing is a bit off for me. The first 20% or so happens so fast, and then the mystery/plot elements sort of drag us through until about 80% and then things really heat back up again.

Also, LEVIATHAN!!!!!!! That is all.

Overall, really loved. 4 stars.

P.s. can we get a Celestial spin-off??

I shrieked when I was approved for this one. No shame. This is one of my most anticipated orders and to get to eARC it was so exciting.

This is my first Akwaeke Emezi read and will not be my last. The book was very fast paced, but it still felt well planned, thought out, and like everything was timed with care. The story felt very new and refreshing and the characters were easy to fall in love with.

The spice was spicing, friends. If you enjoy spicy scenes that land exactly where they are needed, you will absolutely love the way Emezi handled it in Son of The Morning!

This was my first time reading anything by this author, and I was genuinely impressed. I loved the identity crisis twist—watching the FMC unravel her past and figure out who she truly is, all while navigating the chaos around her, kept me totally hooked. The author struck a great balance with the world-building and character development—nothing too heavy, just enough to keep the story grounded and immersive.

It was a fast-paced, easy read that didn’t sacrifice depth. And let’s talk about the spice—chef’s kiss. It was perfectly placed and seriously well done. The characters were likable and had great chemistry, and the storyline felt solid from beginning to end. I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for honest review.

3.5 stars rounded up.

I went into this book blind, having not read anything about the book. It was my first paranormal romantasy read and did not disappoint.

The story follows Galilee, a young girl who lives with her family, though only the women are allowed to live on the compound. Galilee has always known there was something different about herself but her family had always kept it a secret.

Galilee moves to the city and befriends an author and an heiress. She's invited to a party at the childhood home of her new friend and there she meets Lucifer.

The bulk of the story takes place over about 24 hours. Galilee falls for not only Lucifer, but also a Prince of Hell. She goes on to discover her true heritage, settles things with her family and is able to solve a problem that Lucifer and the Princes of Hell have been battling.

The spice was spicy in this one (probably 3.5 🌶) and had an element of Why Choose.

I do wish the plot had been set over a longer time period, the insta-love and devotion was a little much for me. I anticipate this will be a huge hit for paranormal romance lovers and I loved the history and language used in the book.

If you don't love paranormal romance, this won't be the book to change your mind. All the cliched flaws of the genre are here on full display: a truly excessive amount of violent alpha male posturing, instalust, inexplicable true love (the whole book takes place over 24 hours, in which the characters go from strangers to soulmates), wildly flip flopping personalities, abrupt and not-satisfyingly-explained 180s of opinion, intriguing bits of world building never being elaborated on, a great deal of infodumping/telling-not-showing, etc.

But if you are a fan of paranormal romance, then I see no reason you won't enjoy yourself immensely here: a male mc who worships the ground Gali walks on, a refreshing focus on female pleasure, strong family bonds for both leads, women who don't hate each other, a sprinkling of kink. Son of the Morning even takes the time to point out and question some of the ridiculousness it depends on (Gali being disgusted with herself for wanting Lucifer despite his refusing to guarantee her safety, isn't it WEIRD how this is all so intense so fast, etc) albeit without actually resolving any of it.

And it's really nice to see a m/f romance be so unrepentantly queer. I did really like that.

It's fine? I did not enjoy it, but mostly because I don't like this genre (I thought being an Emezi fan would overcome that, mostly because I expected Emezi to subvert or improve on the genre cliches, but apparently not) which is hardly the book's fault. There's room for a sequel but it stands alone perfectly too. Pretty confident the right readers will love it.

Nobody is more disappointed than me for not loving this one. The prologue had me hooked immediately. I was sure this would end up being at LEAST a 4 star read. And as someone who prefers their fantasy with some romance, I actually wish the romance hadn't been the main focus of the story. It all happened way. too. fast. There was literally zero build up to the main characters getting together - not even an actual conversation. I wish this had been a slow burn, it would've felt much more genuine and satisfying. I loved the FMC's best friends and I was also happy there was some trans representation in the story! For the plot to have such high stakes, every problem was solved much too simply. I think the writing was incredible, I just wanted the story to have been more thoughtfully drawn out. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

Galilee Kincaid, a young woman grappling with a lifelong sense of otherness. Her quiet existence within the powerful Kincaid clan, rooted in generations of Black women and shrouded in the mysteries of their secluded land, is shattered by the arrival of Lucifer Helel. From the moment their eyes meet, the connection is electric, undeniable, and dangerously destabilizing.
The introduction of Lucifer is a stroke of genius. Emezi avoids the clichéd depictions of the fallen angel, instead portraying him as a complex, compelling figure. His relationship with Galilee is not simply lustful; it's a catalyst for her awakening, a mirror reflecting back the power she never knew she possessed. Their connection is fraught with danger, not just from the impending heavenly conflict, but also from the societal structures and internal demons they both navigate.
The inclusion of Leviathan adds another layer of intrigue. As Lucifer's loyal lieutenant, Levi is driven by a fierce protectiveness that fuels his antagonism towards Galilee. He embodies the fear of the unknown, the resistance to change, and the lengths to which one will go to preserve the status quo. His presence elevates the narrative beyond a simple love story, injecting it with compelling moral dilemmas and questions of loyalty.
Overall, this story is a seductive and daring exploration of self-acceptance, which will challenge you to confront their own preconceived notions of good and evil, power and vulnerability. This is a read that I highly recommend.

Sexy as hell! Like what the actual fu- is this excellence?!?!?! Ugh! I love when WOMEN ARE POWERFUL! Something f about it made me feel alive. It’s electric between these two and you just end up wanting more and more and MORE!