Down Comes the Night, pitched as a YA gothic fantasy romance, is perfect for readers of Emily A. Duncan or Holly Black.
Down Comes the Night does have gothic elements—the story is centered around an ancient mansion that conceals terrible secrets; the setting boasts dark and chilling (yet picturesque) scenery; the tone is one of fear, mystery, dread, and macabre terror—though I wouldn’t call this *pure* gothic fiction.
This book certainly does belong in the fantasy genre, though. We don’t know much about the world beyond Vesria, Cernos, and Danu (the three countries centered in this story), but we do get to know each country quite well. Danu and Vesria have been at war for centuries despite what their recent armistice would make you think. Meanwhile, Cernos remained neutral and spent their time being industrious—inventing new technologies, progressing medically; however, the one thing Cernos couldn’t accomplish: acquiring magic like that of their neighboring countries. Now, with Danubian soldiers suddenly disappearing (and Vesria the likely culprit), Wren must discover who is really behind the kidnappings before another war starts. Unfortunately, her reckless use of magic has cost Wren her position in the Guard. So, when a letter arrives from Cernos promising an alliance in exchange for her healing expertise, she hopes to redeem herself and potentially stop thousands of innocent lives from being lost.
Overall, the plot, mystery, stakes, and ticking clock were all set up so well that the rest of the story just seemed to fall into place. The world-building (the history, the magic system, the religions, etc.), though it's actually quite simplistic, also becomes a complex entity that becomes almost as important as the characters themselves.
And, oh, the characters! I loved all of them. Especially Wren Southerland. I’ve seen some reviews saying that Wren is too eye-roll-worthy in the beginning or that her background isn’t fleshed out enough, but I disagree. I think her past and her present, and her motives, were all thoroughly explored and gave me a great sense of her character. Yes, she makes mistakes and is impulsive (especially in the first half of the book), but she learns and grows so much based on her experiences and emotions.
While Down Comes the Night is also pitched as a romance, the romance is actually my only criticism of the book. I simply don’t feel the chemistry between Wren and Hal. I’ve been trying to piece together why I feel this way, and what I’ve determined is that the other characters are just too strong. Hal, though he has the potential to be one of the most interesting characters, pales in comparison to Wren and Una and Isabel and Lowry (and even Hannah). Everything needed to make Hal a desirable love interest and an interesting character is technically there . . . but I still don’t feel like I truly know him. Perhaps what is lacking here has something to do with Wren’s narration or with how Wren’s romantic love for Una (yay for bi rep!) feels so overpowering.
That being said, I still enjoyed reading Wren’s POV. The writing and voice was incredible, with on-point similes and metaphors, balanced narrative techniques, and mood-setting descriptions. This book also dives into topics, such as war, love, emotion, and prejudice, so deeply that everything ties together through these themes.
In fact, I think that’s the main selling point for Down Comes the Night: everything comes together *so perfectly* (except the romance, in my opinion . . . though I did enjoy the “enemies-to-lovers” and “there’s only one bed” tropes). From both a reader’s and writer’s perspective, this book is a masterclass on character arc, stakes, and having every little detail come together to create a satisfying story.
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Reviews with images
Can two two enemies bring peace to their kingdoms?
Two enemies, each fearing the other as war ravages their countries, find themselves drawn together in hopes to end the conflict and reset reputations.Wren is magical healer, as well as the niece of the Queen of Danu, who has lost favor after lifelong mistreatment by her Aunt. In hopes to restore her character, she accepts the invitation from a neighboring kingdom to diagnose what is taking the lives of servants at the estate of Colwick Hall.Who she finds she must cure of the malady is the missing sworn enemy of her kingdom, the infamous Reaper of Versria, Hal Cavendish. Wren’s curious mind, draws her to Hal as she is sworn to save lives. Together they uncover a dark and sinister plot to destroy other kingdoms to bring one into ultimate power.Down Comes the Night is a debut novel that is a dark, gothic YA fantasy with a romantic plot that is slow to build. Be patient, let the story unfold then you will NOT be able to put it down.This book was a recommendation by an author. YA fantasy is NOT what I typically select to read. Overall, I’m was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed Down Comes the Night.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2021
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2021
Wren is magical healer, as well as the niece of the Queen of Danu, who has lost favor after lifelong mistreatment by her Aunt. In hopes to restore her character, she accepts the invitation from a neighboring kingdom to diagnose what is taking the lives of servants at the estate of Colwick Hall.
Who she finds she must cure of the malady is the missing sworn enemy of her kingdom, the infamous Reaper of Versria, Hal Cavendish. Wren’s curious mind, draws her to Hal as she is sworn to save lives. Together they uncover a dark and sinister plot to destroy other kingdoms to bring one into ultimate power.
Down Comes the Night is a debut novel that is a dark, gothic YA fantasy with a romantic plot that is slow to build. Be patient, let the story unfold then you will NOT be able to put it down.
This book was a recommendation by an author. YA fantasy is NOT what I typically select to read. Overall, I’m was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed Down Comes the Night.
Can two two enemies bring peace to their kingdoms?
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2021
Two enemies, each fearing the other as war ravages their countries, find themselves drawn together in hopes to end the conflict and reset reputations.Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2021
Wren is magical healer, as well as the niece of the Queen of Danu, who has lost favor after lifelong mistreatment by her Aunt. In hopes to restore her character, she accepts the invitation from a neighboring kingdom to diagnose what is taking the lives of servants at the estate of Colwick Hall.
Who she finds she must cure of the malady is the missing sworn enemy of her kingdom, the infamous Reaper of Versria, Hal Cavendish. Wren’s curious mind, draws her to Hal as she is sworn to save lives. Together they uncover a dark and sinister plot to destroy other kingdoms to bring one into ultimate power.
Down Comes the Night is a debut novel that is a dark, gothic YA fantasy with a romantic plot that is slow to build. Be patient, let the story unfold then you will NOT be able to put it down.
This book was a recommendation by an author. YA fantasy is NOT what I typically select to read. Overall, I’m was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed Down Comes the Night.
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Top reviews from other countries
Marlene Volkmer
One of my favourite books of all time!
Reviewed in Germany on May 13, 2022