This one was OK. I do feel like the end dragged on far too long especially considering at the 90% mark Holly Black did the equivalent of that sound on TikTok where it’s like “now we need to rob the bank without them, knowing we robbed the bank. And then you accidentally grab another page and the bank exploded dollar bills right down from the sky like blah blah blah”. Because after that point there’s an additional couple of chapters that just seemed to drag it out and I was reading solely to complete the book. I didn’t actually particularly care about how it ended.

I still liked Charlie and found her humor very dry and fun at times which I appreciated. her relationship with her sister got pretty contentious for seemingly no reason, but then we kind of figure it out at the end, but it’s still it felt like Holly Black was trying to make the story more intricate and detailed by just not telling you details instead of setting it up so that she could feed you small pieces and maybe you could put it together. Red/Vincent/Remi/Carver story was sad and I particularly did not enjoy, but felt for him, when we discovered what Adeline had done growing up and was still trying to do. And his conditioning to be submissive and obedient at all times, regardless of what he felt or wanted was incredibly hard to take. The main mystery/conflict of this book trying, to solve who did the massacre at that church felt disjointed, which echoes back to the main “mystery“ of book of night.

This is a small stupid thing to complain about, but if you’re going to be writing an adult fantasy novel and have there be sex scenes I think it’s expected to be a bit more descriptive instead of sort of chickening out and shying away from actually describing what’s going on. It’s not like this was a YA book. This is marketed and tagged as an adult novel. I am glad this is a duology because I do not have the interest or desire to read another book in the series if it were a trilogy.

We never got the answers to who exactly was Rose, especially the answer to did Remi care for Rose and why. There was never a replacement for knight Singh on the Cabal and I still wonder what was the tipping point for shadow Magic becoming a known entity in the world. Also, is Charlie still the hierophant? And if so, are they just not attaching another shadow to her? isn’t that the trademark of being the hierophant? Is what mahar suggested the way to quicken your shadow? And the entire scenario of if Mr. punch was supposed to be at that event or not, and when he was showing up and then how he found out he was being impersonated did not make sense. Also, what happened to Posey‘s shadow after she took on Charlie’s?

Also, that big plot twist that’s unexpected at the 90% mark felt again disjointed because at that point Charlie had solved a couple of mysteries and was at this event to save shadows, but then this character shows up and his motivations had nothing to do with the rest of the book or what Charlie had been looking into. Then once we get past all of that and we’re in the dragged out ending Charlie is separated from red inexplicably and their reunion is very quick and also chopped up along an entire evening, seemingly to set up for another book, but I do believe this is the last of the series.

“Vince had been the kind of person you were suppose to grow old and comfortable with. Red was a monster. You didn’t grow old with a monster. You set the world on fire together and burned up in the blaze.”

I thought this was an excellent follow up to book of night, and a great conclusion to the duology. Picking up after the events of Book of Night, it’s nice to see how Charlie and Red interact, and how their relationship changes over the course of the book.

I also enjoyed getting to see more of the dynamic Charlie has with those around her (and Red has with those from his past). I think the characters are fleshed out really well and it’s fun to watch them.

The magic system of this world may be one of my favorites. I enjoy that it’s set in present day, and that this could be happening in secret right now. The book has me glancing at my shadowing and wondering “what if”

Would I have enjoyed more time in this world? Always. Anything Holly black writes, I’m going to read. But she has a way of telling a good story without it feeling like it’s dragging on forever and that will always be one of my favorite things about her.

Was first ARC read and I feel so honored to have been chosen!

With that said, I did enjoy this one! I felt far less confused, there was better explanation on shadow magic, but the cabals and their deal felt too complicated! Would have loved a chapter explaining exactly how they got that role and why. They are also way too damn power hungry with hardly any power, but then again it does go hand in hand with what’s happening in today’s world.

Wish we got to see more Posey and her situationship with Malhar! Would have been nice to have gotten their POV.

Adelaide Salt didn’t get the ending I felt she deserved. Should have ended worse for her in my opinion. She’s a incestuous creep…

I wish we got deeper into Char and Reds relationship, too! Felt more like lust than love, but they never really said that word to each other. So maybe they were on the road there, after FINALLY being able to be their true selves.

The shadow magic is honestly so interesting and fun!! Felt like a neat twist on peter pan!

I love Charlie, her character is complicated and messy but she starts to own it instead of suppressing that part of herself. She’s a beautiful thick grunge girl and rocks it. I wish we got more from her outside of Vince.

Vince aka Red, gives me Jasper Cullen vibes! Even the character description. He kinda fell flat for me. He had his moments like when he beat that one dude up at the bar, but the way he let Adelaide and her friends treat Charlie turned me off.

Holly Blacks writing is fantastic! No notes on that.

Thank you NetGalley & Tor Publishing Group for this eARC

I thought this book was the perfect conclusion to Book of Night. The end of Book of Night ends with a pretty big bomb shell that we are left to recover from in Thief of Night. Charlie Hall continues to be a FMC you want in your corner. She may be crooked but she will stop at nothing for those she cares for including Vince the MMC. This book Charlie continues to prove herself and outwit anyone who comes against her. Vince continues on a road of self discovery in this book and I really enjoyed his journey with Charlie.

Favorite Quote - “Some of my thoughts should probably be in chains.”

Unfortunately I had to DNF this book. I couldn't get into the series personally, but it might be someone else's cup of tea.

I ATE THIS BOOK UP! Reading slump who? We don’t know her.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and this one was a fantastic continuation. Could NOT put it down. Very low level spice, this is not a romantasy. Just the way I like it. Was the story groundbreaking? No, but I sure as heck devoured every word and had a great time.

Charlie Hall is back and still making terrible choices — thank God. This sequel to Book of Night proves Holly Black’s adult era is pure shadowy chaos, emotional sabotage, and morally gray deliciousness. If you’ve ever wanted to kiss a con artist with blood on her hands and regret in her eyes, this one’s for you.

thank you to netgalley & holly black for the arc of this book!!!

ok ok so this was a well-rounded conclusion to book one, but i have to admit i was frustrated there was not much growth on Charlie’s part. Red? wow Red grew TONNNS. but not Charlie really at all. even Posey grew although we barely see her (no conversation to confront some hard truths the sisters needed to have) in the wrap-up of the book which i thought was odd.

the story was way easier (and shorter) to follow now that the worldbuilding was established but the new villains seemed significantly weaker comparatively to the last books and the stakes not as high, since they weren’t as clearly spelled out.

i enjoyed how the relationship between Red & Charlie developed and it seemed thoroughly organic, which was great! there were certainly a few more things i would have loved to be fleshed out, but overall, the final scene was more than satisfying🤭

Charlie Hall is back and more crazy than ever! This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did. not. disappoint!! I loved being back in this dark and gritty urban fantasy and watching more of Charlie's misadventures as she tries to survive in a world that doesn't want her while trying to win back the love of a shadow.

Red became a new favorite character and while it was so sad to see him lose his memories, I loved watching him fall in love with Charlie all over again. Their relationship felt so real and raw as Red tries to ignore his want of her but keeps giving in over and over again. The ending with them was absolutely chef's kiss and I reread it three times before I was able to put it down!

I loved the twists and turns in this one and how, in true Holly Black fashion, there were some threads left untied so that we the audience could speculate of what comes next. While I know this series is a duology and is amazing at that, I'm crossing my fingers that Black returns to this world in the future!!

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I liked the writing style and the overall storyline. I loved the relationship between Charlie and Red.
Red was my favorite character and I loved how protective he was with Charlie. Even though he didn't have his memories, he showed his ability to care for another.

That said, I felt like nothing major happened throughout the book. I was hoping for more romance between Red and Charlie or at least more moments of deep connection.
I felt like the book didn't pick up until 70% in, but I did absolutely love the ending. The very end of the book where Red and Charlie stood outside of the mansion was by far my favorite moment!!

I love the overall concept of shadows and the ability a person has to be connected to one. Thief of Night definitely had very interesting moments that I enjoyed reading!!

The second this hit my hands I couldn't resist the chance to not sit and DEVOUR it! I love everything that Holly writes and I was so eager for this book. Just all the stars and I am sad it is already over.

Charlie Hall is back, and she’s still a hot mess. Wish I would’ve given Book of Night another read before starting this, but I caught up. Enjoyable read, but kept noticing holes in the magic of this world. And the characters read a little bit like caricatures of themselves. But I had a good time overall, and I was happy to get a conclusion to the story.

Holly will always have me in a chokehold without doubt.

This book was probably one of the best books I've ever read in my life. It was magical, and had me gripped as book two to this series. I love that Holly is writing in adult and she is doing a banging job with it. The world, the magic, everything was absolutely amazing in Thief of Night.

10/10 would recommend this book to everyone I know!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC!

I loved this book! A great way to end the series and I couldn't put it down. Holly Black always writes such immersive books. I will definitely be recommending this to everyone.

-Final book in the dark, gritty Book of Night duology
-Fast-paced with thrilling action and deepening lore
-Follows flawed, fiercely relatable heroine Charlie Hall
-A messy, twisted but beautiful romance at the core
-Perfect for fans of urban fantasy, heists, and emotional payoff
-Wraps up the story with satisfying closure but leaves room for imagination

A Dark, Gripping, and Satisfying Conclusion to the Book of Night Duology

This final installment is a powerful close to the Book of Night duology—equal to, if not better than, the first book. Picking up right where the story left off, it dives straight into the action, so if it’s been a while since you read Book 1, a re-read would be highly recommended for the best experience. That said, even readers who didn’t refresh their memory found the story compelling enough to piece things together and still enjoy it thoroughly.

The sequel brings even more action, deeper lore, and satisfying closure—especially after that intense cliffhanger. It’s a dark, gritty urban fantasy with heist vibes and a unique twist on familiar tropes. The love story is both twisted and sweet, and the emotional payoff is immense. Charlie, the flawed and fiercely relatable main character, truly shines in this book.

Fans of modern fantasy with an edge will find this duology unforgettable. The ending wraps things up neatly but leaves just enough room for the imagination to wander. Honestly, it’ll leave you wishing for a trilogy. If you haven’t started the Book of Night yet—consider this your sign.

Great follow up to Book of Night! I love Holly Black's Urban fantasy worlds and it was cool to see this one expanded. I would totally want more stories in this world!
Thanks for Netgalley for the eArc!

I’d nearly forgotten how much I love Holly Black’s writing. Then I got approved for the arc of Thief of Night, the sequel to her adult debut fantasy Book of Night.

And wow – I loved it!

I really liked the first book in this series, despite hearing a lot of negative reviews. I didn’t mind the slow build to the story because I was absolutely wowed by the big finale and the twists at the end. So it’s been painful to wait several years for the sequel.

But the wait was worth it. I love where she took the story of Charlie Hall. The tension with Vince is full of angst, and the high-stakes world of the Cabal and gloamists gets even more complicated. I’ll keep it vague to avoid spoilers, but I was so happy with where the story went. It’s thrilling and the pace is much faster in this one, and I couldn’t put it down. The romance is messy but beautiful.

Charlie is an unlikeable character that you cannot help but root for. Despite being a grifter, she feels real and raw and the perfect heroine for an adult fantasy from the person who came up with the character of Jude Duarte in The Cruel Prince.

I am THRILLED to have finally been able to enjoy the second half of Charlie and Vince/Red's story (though I hope that there's more despite this being labeled a duology)
Amidst the little twists and turns and sleight-of-hand by character and author, my favorite aspect of this novel was the thoughtful exploration of what it means to embrace a person for exactly who they are- to understand and truly see what they need and who they are today, and to choose whether or now that raw form is someone you want to love.

All of that aside, if for some reason you're not here for the personal growth, fictional cultural exploration, or a fabulous senior citizen with a talent for dominance, then stay for the clever, clever Charlie and the fun ways that she gets an upper hand on just about everyone.

In this volume my favorite character is Red. How damaged a character he is and still trying to keep true to his beliefs, although it's not a complete self. His protective relationship with Charloe and also rebelling against becoming her slave. The action and paranormal creepy scenes are awesome. I preferred this volume to the first.

The final installment in the Book of Night duology is everything a sequel should be. Dark, immersive, and full of emotional payoff, this book delivers a satisfying close to a story that blends urban fantasy with gothic intrigue and twisted romance.

This sequel holds its own and, in many ways, surpasses the first. It builds beautifully on the foundation laid in Book of Night, deepening our understanding of the characters and raising the emotional stakes. The romance is a standout, walking a delicate line between being unsettling and incredibly tender. The twisted connection at the heart of it is full of depth and complexity, and by the end, it feels completely earned.

Holly Black’s world continues to stand out for its urban grit and unique take on shadow magic. While it leans into the darker side of fantasy, it never loses sight of its emotional core. The narrative is sharp, the stakes feel real, and the conclusion brings everything together in a way that is both surprising and completely satisfying.

Thank you to NetGalley, Holly Black & Tor Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!