Title: The Midnight Lie
Authors: Marie Rutkoski
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Release Date: March 3, 2020
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy,
Synopsis:
Where Nirrim lives, crime abounds, a harsh tribunal rules, and society’s pleasures are reserved for the High Kith. Life in the Ward is grim and punishing. People of her low status are forbidden from sampling sweets or wearing colors. You either follow the rules, or pay a tithe and suffer the consequences.
Nirrim keeps her head down and a dangerous secret close to her chest.
But then she encounters Sid, a rakish traveler from far away who whispers rumors that the High Caste possesses magic. Sid tempts Nirrim to seek that magic for herself. But to do that, Nirrim must surrender her old life. She must place her trust in this sly stranger who asks, above all, not to be trusted.
Set in the world of the New York Times–bestselling Winner’s Trilogy, beloved author Marie Rutkoski returns with an epic LGBTQ romantic fantasy about learning to free ourselves from the lies others tell us—and the lies we tell ourselves.
I am a huge fan of The Winner’s Trilogy, and once again Marie Rutkoski did not disappoint with her new novel The Midnight Lie. This novel is a beautiful sapphic fantasy filled with the most memorable characters. Rutkoski’s storytelling is very melodic and beautifully entrancing from page one. Focused on an orphan named Nirrim, the novel becomes a centerpiece for self-discovery, while Nirrim also tackles and confronts the abuse and the lies inculcated throughout her life.
The complexity of relationships and the classism of Nirrim’s world are key components molded and manipulated throughout the book. Although Nirrim is seen as naive, innocent, and a knowledge seeker; her bravery, maturity, and ability to tackle and understand the threats around her, shine brightly throughout the pages. And while in prison for bravely returning a bird, Nirrim meets Sid–a very talkative, mysterious, seductive, and charming character that I loved as Nirrim’s character foil. The banter and scenes between Nirrim and Sid are humorous, sweet, and sexy.
As the first book of a series, The Midnight Lie is such an engaging and fascinating read. I found Nirrim to be a very gifted and beloved heroine; I loved that her story is both emotionally and action driven. And after that jaw-dropping ending, I cannot wait to see how the series unfolds in the next book.
Note: A huge thank you to Fierce Reads for inviting me on this amazing blog tour and providing me an ARC to read and review. All statements and opinions are my own. Please note that all quoted material is not final and may change in the final publication of the book.
rants and raves of a bibliophile 