Book Review: Stolen Midnights by Katherine Quinn

3.75 ⭐️ | 🚫🌶️ (yummy tension)

Thank you to Netgalley, Katherine Quinn, and Random House Children’s Books for the opportunity to read this novel as an EArc. As a fan of the author this was definitely a treat for me!

This ending has me 😫😫😫, and I’ll definitely be reading the next book. I have questions and would like some answers. I also would like a HEA. Please and thank you.

Katherine Quinn is a master at writing tension and yearning between two characters. From the moment I picked up this book and was introduced to Wren I knew that what I was about to read was going to be a fun and enjoyable ride. One that was filled with tension and intrigue, but was ultimately an easy read.

Wren, who just turned 18, was supposed to receive a gift from the fates (deities that represent Day, Dawn, and Dusk) that would give her magical abilities. However, her path was thwarted by a handsome thief named Damien. Damien quickly discovers that their paths are more intertwined than just the job he was hired to complete. As they try to uncover the mystery behind their connection a more nefarious plot is revealed. The story goes beyond just uncovering the mystery behind Wren‘s gift, but instead is a commentary on the injustices between the rich and the poor. Sounds intriguing, right? You don’t even know the half of it!

Let’s talk characters and their roles. This is a dual POV so we alternate between Wren and Damien’s perspectives. Which adds to their individual character development as they better get to know one another. This is a slow burn but oh so fun read. The tension between Wren and Damien was electric. I found it to be delicious and their banter was kicking feet worthy. Keep in mind this is a YA fantasy romance. So this means no spice and a lot of closed door scenes but honestly, the tension is written so perfectly. You don’t even really miss the spice.

The overall plot was very interesting, and I found that the world building is easy to digest and understand. I think where I struggled was with some of the predictability of the plot. However, there was just as many things that had me going, “Oh my goodness!”I was frustrated with some of the pacing in the book when it came to our main protagonists having a much needed truth based conversation. I understand that it needed to be extended for the plot, but in my mind, I would’ve been happy if it was addressed much sooner. IYKYK what I’m talking about.

I can’t say I am 100% thrilled with the ending. It does contain one of my least favorite tropes and the big bad feels a bit cheesy for me; like evil mustache twirling evil but with no true motive. Though it did come as a slight surprise! I didn’t expect certain reveals and for that I am impressed. I hope in the next book we get to better unpack character motivations and spend some time with the Fates. Until then I’ll just sit here twiddling my thumbs.

Are you looking for an easy read that still has all of your favorite elements of fantasy then the story is definitely for you. Pick it up. Read it. Enjoy it. It’s like fantasy popcorn, not too dense but fills you up nonetheless.

You’ll enjoy this one if you like…
💕 Enemies to lovers
🤺 Regency era vibes
🪄 Enchanted objects
🥰 Swoon worthy tension

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 STARS

it's been awhile since i've dived into a good fantasy book. i've been in my thriller era. but this makes me want to go into more fantasies again. it's so well written, the world is intricately built, and the story in general is so good. i know it's romantasy, but the societal aspects of the rich getting richer and the poor being poorer resonates so well with the current political climate. and the fact that the Fates have a part in that makes you wonder why... why allow this injustice to happen?

i loved Wren's character from the beginning. despite barely turning 18, she still has that innocence within her. the author doesn't write her character to immediately be adult-like. but more than anything, i loved her ferocity for wanting to be her own person. even though she understood the roles women were expected to play in the world, she still wanted to break the mold. she didn't want to just be blessed by the Fates; she wanted to do good. and she didn't want to be tied to a man to do anything worth doing. bcuz YES!

then there's Damien. he's had a rough life living in "The Void", but he's doing what he can to survive. with that need for survival came skills that led him to cross paths with Wren. he doesn't understand why he's drawn to her or why the Fates led him to her. i was loving the enemies-to-lovers element between them. i'm not really into that insta-love romance, because let's be real... it just doesn't feel believable. while Wren and Damien are at odds with each other, there are moments where their immediate attraction felt forced when Damien is supposed to be angry with the blessed and rich. also, if the Fates were all powerful and magical... how the heck did Damien steal from them?

this honestly was a fun read. i was completely wrapped into the story and loved every second of it. i highly recommend this one for all my romantasy girlies! i have two of Katherine Quinn's books on my shelf which i have yet to read, and after reading this book... i have the push i need to dive into them. so i look forward to those. if they're anything like this one, i have no doubt i'll love it.

thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read an advanced copy via NetGalley. i leave this review of my own volition. all thoughts and opinions are my own.

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Review ˏˋ°•*⁀➷

Soooo fates and magic and enemies to lovers ? You had me at the word fates. Is it just me who LOVES fate/god romantasies ? They’re always so interesting with really intricate magic systems. In this book, the 4 fates choose people to receive magical gifts that give them abilities, but here’s the catch. The gifts, which are always delivered at midnight on the recipient's 18th birthday, can be stolen. Anddd that's what happens to Wren Hayes. No one in her family has ever not gotten a gift. Until her. She’s the daughter of a rich noble ruling the city, and he’s a thief and an assassin.

Okay but the BANTER in this book ? Omigosh Wren and Damien are SO CUTE, and I always have a soft spot for a GrumpyXsunshine trope (quite literally, he calls her sunshine).


⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Damien ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

He’s such a misunderstood character 😔. He’s honestly a really good person, just forced into terrible circumstances 😭. MY MAN DID NOT DESERVE THAT KATHERINE APOLOGISE RIGHT THIS MINUTE. But it is SO FUNNY to see him deny his feelings for Wren when he’s about as subtle as a neon glowing sign 😭. It’s even funnier when he keeps telling himself he’ll get over it because WE ALL KNOW THAT'S NOT HAPPENING.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ “I wish you knew the real m-me,’ he said, his nose grazing mine. ‘But then I…I would dull your shine.” ˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥

SOOOO MY HEART JUST CRACKED CLEAN IN HALF. WAS THIS REALLY NECESSARY KATHERINE ? REALLY ?

ੈ✩‧₊˚ “Damien. Yes sunshine ? Shut up, please.” ੈ✩‧₊˚

HAHAHAHA THEY’RE SO ICONIC. THEIR CHEMISTRY IS OFF THE CHARTS TOO, WHY DON’T I HAVE THIS MUCH CHEMISTRY WITH SOMEONE ? Life is so unfair I do not like real life 😔. I’m so single it’s not even funny 😭

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ Wren ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

She’s such a sweetheart 🥹 her shitbag of a father DOESN’T deserve her. I can totally understand why Damien thought she was a stuck up, selfish noble, but she’s just been manipulated by her father her whole life. And her mother is so completely USELESS IT PISSES ME OFF SO BAD. PULL YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS AND SEE THAT YOUR HUSBAND IS AN EVIL PIECE OF SHIT. WHY IS HER ENTIRE FAMILY HORRIBLE ? I swear, can we get ONE book where the character’s families aren’t dead, dying or evil ? IS IT REALLY THAT NECESSARY FOR CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT ???? So, I thought I’d predicted the ending, I could tell where it was going BUT NO. THE PLOT TWIST ??? THE CLIFF HANGER??? KATHERINE QUINN YOU OWE ME FOR THIS. I’M NOT GOING TO SAY ANYTHING BECAUSE SPOILERS OBVIOUSLY, BUT LETS JUST SAY I WILL BE THROWING HANDS

ੈ✩‧₊˚ Preread ~ Thank you to netgalley and random house children's books for giving me an e-arc for an honest review ! Fates, magic and romance ? Okay you can stop talking now. I'll take it. Also, this cover is actually gorgeous wtf.

This is one of those books where you start it and won't want to put it down.

It is so good!

I can't wait to get the deluxe version for my shelf!

I NEED THE AUDIO AND BOOK 2 NOW, PLEASE!
This book was amazing and way more intense than I would have ever expected from a YA romantasy. I loved the regency era/victorian vibes and the overall plot. I felt like this was a nonstop adventure of plot twists/betrayals, character development, and romance. Wren and Damien were a lot of fun and such a lovely disaster. They had the perfect amount of banter and sweet moments.
I have never read Katherine Quinn before but am going to need to dive into all of her other books asap. This was such a masterpiece and

I just finished Stolen Midnights and I really liked it. It had a nice mix of magic, mystery, and romance that kept me interested the whole time. The worldbuilding was cool, especially the whole idea of the Fates and gifted people. It felt fresh but still had that comforting fantasy vibe.

Wren and Damien had great chemistry. I liked that their connection wasn’t rushed. It developed slowly and felt natural. There were moments of tension between them, but also some really sweet scenes that made me smile.

The story moved at a good pace. I never felt bored, and I was always curious to see what would happen next with the locket and all the secrets behind it. It kept me turning the pages without being too heavy or overly dramatic.

Overall, it was a really enjoyable read. If you like fantasy with a bit of romance, some intrigue, and a magical world that feels easy to fall into, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a go.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book!

3.5 stars

I've been going on a romantasy spree lately which is why I had to request this book. The premise was super interesting where some people randomly get blessed by the Fates with magical objects delivered by hounds.

I had questions though, as to how one figures out how to use their gifts and how they know what they do. I also had issues with how easily the hound delivering Wren's gift had its gift stolen as I thought that since the gifts had magical origins, that there would also be a magical way to ensure that it only is given to the giftee. I also thought it was weird how people would not only broadcast what their gift could do but also what object it was because I feel like that would make it too easy for other people to steal.

I liked the capitalism message between the people with gifts vs the people without and how the people with gifts believe that they're morally superior and chosen. It definitely was some interesting world-building and brings up some ethical questions reminiscent of the ethical dilemma of wealthy religious leaders. The discussion of gender roles with Wren's sister wanting to become a politician when the government is only men was also a very nice touch to the story.

However, the writing in the romance parts was cheesy and the dialogue was quite corny (I cannot, when love-interests give the main characters unnecessary nicknames, like sunshine is just ewww and it was literally repeated way too much). Additionally, the first meeting was giving insta-love especially with Wren raving about how hot she found Damien. There was literally no reason to why they should be that obsessed with each other after only meeting one time (and when Damien was trying to rob Wren's friend too). It was such a shame because the fantasy aspects were done so well but the romance aspect was just...bad.

The chemistry was so forced and it was just soo much insta-love. I definitely think that limiting the romance would have been better for this book despite being a romantasy novel because the romance was just so Wattpad which was jarring because the fantasy aspects were so well-written. Also Damien's constant jealousy issues and possessiveness was problematic too. Like you should totally run away from people like him in real life. For example (view spoiler) It was also annoying that interesting plotlines and tense moments kept being overtaken by unneeded angsty moments and unnecessary romantic tension.

Overall, it's a fun romantasy novel with such an interesting fantasy concept but with unfortunately badly-written romance. I am definitely interested in reading the sequel though.

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up!

This was so good. I was hooked from the very first page.
I loved the dual POV. Both Wren & Damien were fun to root for & I looked forward to each chapter wirh the changing POVs.
This book was full of adventure the whole entire time and THAT ENDING?!?!
I didn't see that plot twist coming.

LANGUAGE: several uses of f word and a few other swear words
SPICE: mild innuendo throughout second half, fade to black ch31

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's Books, & Katherine Quinn for this ARC of Stolen Midnights!

Magic, mystery and a romance you’ll find yourself falling for. Stolen Midnights is a YA Romantasy that you won’t be able to put down.

Magic is bestowed on individuals through items gifted by the fates on someone’s eighteenth birthday. Wren finds herself devastated when hers doesn’t show up. What commences is a story filled with romance, a partnership to find stolen items and new revelations.

I absolutely adored this story. Wren and Damian are chaotic and so much fun. Wren will take absolutely nothing from no one and she will get anything she needs done. Damian is a no nonsense thief who cares about no one… until he does. I just loved their banter and bickering. The romance is a big part of this book but the plot pairs perfectly with it.

Speaking of the plot, it was so good! I actually requested this before I even realized it had the murder mystery plot. I just thought it would be a sweet magical story but what we get is so much more! The class division, the mysterious circumstances regarding people disappearing and the lore around the fates. It’s just such a good story that I found myself up late fighting sleep to read one more chapter and see how the mystery would unravel. There are plenty of twists along the way. I don’t know how I’ll be able to wait for the next book after that ending!!!

I liked ms. Quinn’s last series and was a bit let down with this one. It may have just been a bit too immature for my tastes. The writing wasn’t terrible just not anything unique

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Stolen Midnights by Katherine Quinn

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children’s for the ARC—consider this my formal notice that I’m now feral for Book 2.

This book surprised me. I thought I was signing up for “cute fantasy with some shiny jewelry” and instead I got chaos, mud fights, and a thief who clearly lost the instruction manual for life. Damien is a disaster wrapped in leather and bad decisions. I love him. I hate him. I want to put him in a time-out and also protect him at all costs. Wren? Queen behavior. She’s got the spine, the wit, and just enough tolerance to survive Damien’s nonsense (though stabbing him again wouldn’t be the worst idea).

The world itself was a delight—regency vibes with a magical twist, all without drowning me in info-dumps. It pulled me in instantly. But let’s be honest: the plot could have wandered off into a hedge maze and I still wouldn’t have noticed because Damien and Wren’s unhinged dynamic had me glued. Banter, betrayals, tension, mud—chef’s kiss.

Now, was the ending neat and satisfying? Nope. This book cliffhangered me like it gets paid per gasp. And sure, I’m not the biggest fan of hidden-family-dramas or memory-wiping (two tropes that made me roll my eyes). But honestly? The rest of the ride was so fun, I shrugged it off.

Verdict: 4.5 stars. Stolen Midnights is messy, addictive, and proof that Katherine Quinn knows exactly how to make me scream “just one more chapter” at 2 a.m. Bring on Book 2—I’m ready for more chaos.

Typically I do not read in the YA portion of the romantasy realm, but found this to be entertaining and capturing without the adult aspect. I enjoyed some historical fiction aspects while feeling engaged by the main characters throughout. Ending fell a little flat for me but it’s a duology so hopefully it’s wrapped up nicely with book two.

I'm currently wondering what magical fairy dust Katherine Quinn put in this book to have made me hunger for every page like a madwoman.

Stolen Midnights was an unexpected gem for me. I was intrigued by the blurb, but was wholly unprepared by how much the story and characters ended up gripping me. The setting was an instant delight, evidently taking some historical inspiration that gave me regency/victorian vibes, which certainly upped the appeal for me as an avid HF/HR reader. The beginning drew me in at once, from that moment of-- gasp!-- Wren not receiving her gift in such a neat world that was built up early on without once feeling info-dumped.

Yes, I was invested in the plot and storyline. Yes, I really enjoyed the setting. But the two main heroes of the book, Wren and Damien, utterly stole the show for me and were far and away the highlights. I fell in love with them at first introduction, and fell in love with them again at their absolutely peak first meeting with each other in the mud. Their interactions had me laughing out loud and devouring scene after scene just to see what utter nonsense they were going to get up to. Damien was a disaster in the best way possible and is not at all escaping pathetic, sad wet man allegations. I want to study him in a petri dish. I want to know how on earth he survived this long. I want to tell Wren to stab him again but also kiss him, please, because they're disasters together and despite how much of a MESS their interactions and betrayals are, their happiness is in each other's arms! Hello!

It's fair to say the characters elevated the book for me and were the most treasured part. Even with moments where I thought the plot got a little convoluted or slowed, which I did think happened at times, I was unbothered because of how much I was hanging off the sleeves of Damien and Wren.

--Spoilers--
The only part I truly found weak in the book was the last 5% I suppose, and ending. I have come to expect cliffhanger endings from the genre, and know this was the first entry in a duology, but I still felt the conclusion could have been wrapped up a little neater with a few loose ends at least resolved. The lack of the main characters managing to /accomplish/ anything in the plot showed, with me feeling like I had finished a Part 1 instead of a complete book arc that was set up for a second arc that would complete the overarching story. I think I just wanted more out of it, and probably in part felt less satisfied because two tropes I do not consider myself the biggest fan of (hidden family relationships and memory wiping) featured prominently. I didn't feel convinced of the necessity of Damien's relationship with Everett and didn't feel it added much, and though I felt my heart ripped to shreds with Wren's memory fiasco/wasn't jazzed about it happening, the rest of the book was so strong that I am confident Quinn will resolve it in a satisfactory way in Book 2 when it comes. My initial disappointment at the ending was certainly assuaged by that when I sat back and thought about it. No, I don't have the big picture now, but I am hopeful for what's to come and think we're in for quite the Book 2 when it happens.

Ultimately, despite the ending and weaker points I experienced, I truly do want to, and will, give this my 5 stars. I was incredibly entertained and enamored to a rare degree, and for that, I find it deserving.

4/5 stars!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stolen Midnights is a a fate twisted romantasy full of secrets, danger, and slow burn chemistry.
While reading, the world felt magical and threatening at the same time , and even when the pacing slows, the tension keeps you hooked. Even better , The main characters make such a fun dynamic!!! Full of banter, mistrust, and sparks you can’t ignore.
This one deserves a spot in your tbr!!!!

4/5 stars for me
Thank you net galley for this arc

Cute and leaves on a cliffhanger! 5*****
When you don't feel good enough, or so you thought, to receive a gift from the Fates, but learn your gift was stolen. Wren, the FMC, has been accused of murdering a Fate, as she was the only one around when it happened. Now, she is teamed up with Damien to locate the missing gift and see what secrets it has! She is also trying to find out why people were going missing. This is a very cute, fast paced story. The author keeps you interested and wanting more! I can't wait for the second book! I need to know what happens next!

Thank you Katherine, Random House Children's Books, and Netgalley for the advanced eArc. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

I absolutely loved this book! So much so that I finished in one day. The author did an amazing job keeping the plot going without it getting boring which is something I really look for in books. The characters were unique and I became very invested in their journey. I will be recommending this book to all of my friends and family.