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Indigo Court #5
Night's End
Eons ago, vampires tried to turn the dark Fae in order to harness their magic, only to create a demonic enemy more powerful than they could have imagined. Now, in a final push, Myst returns with a vengeance to bring the Golden Wood forever under the rule of the Indigo Court.
Newly crowned Fae Queens Cicely and Rhiannon have embraced their destinies and claimed their thrones. But Myst is rising once more, and now, at the helm of her armies, she begins her final assault on the Golden Wood. As Fae, vampires, and magic-born alike fall under the tide of blood, Cicely and her friends must discover a way to destroy the spidery queen before they—and their people—face total annihilation.
Newly crowned Fae Queens Cicely and Rhiannon have embraced their destinies and claimed their thrones. But Myst is rising once more, and now, at the helm of her armies, she begins her final assault on the Golden Wood. As Fae, vampires, and magic-born alike fall under the tide of blood, Cicely and her friends must discover a way to destroy the spidery queen before they—and their people—face total annihilation.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2014
70 people are currently reading
1972 people want to read
About the author
Yasmine Galenorn
247 books3,471 followersNOTE: I SELDOM visit Goodreads and do very little here. Please see my website for more information on my work: https://galenorn.com
New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance, and is the author of over 80 books & numerous series, including the Wild Hunt Series, the Moonshadow Bay Series, the Fury Unbound Series, the Otherworld Series, the Bewitching Bedlam Series, and more. She wrote for trad publishers for 20 years until she went indie in 2016.
She’s also written nonfiction metaphysical books. She is the 2011 Career Achievement Award Winner in Urban Fantasy, given by RT Magazine. Yasmine has been in the Craft since 1980, is a shamanic witch and High Priestess. She describes her life as a blend of teacups and tattoos. She lives in Kirkland, WA, with her husband Samwise and their cats. Yasmine can be reached via her web site at Galenorn.com. Sign up for her newsletter at: http://galenorn.com/newsletter/
NOTE: ALWAYS check the website and blog, and please sign up for her newsletter there to keep current with new and upcoming releases. Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter are NOT viable places to find out all this information.
New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance, and is the author of over 80 books & numerous series, including the Wild Hunt Series, the Moonshadow Bay Series, the Fury Unbound Series, the Otherworld Series, the Bewitching Bedlam Series, and more. She wrote for trad publishers for 20 years until she went indie in 2016.
She’s also written nonfiction metaphysical books. She is the 2011 Career Achievement Award Winner in Urban Fantasy, given by RT Magazine. Yasmine has been in the Craft since 1980, is a shamanic witch and High Priestess. She describes her life as a blend of teacups and tattoos. She lives in Kirkland, WA, with her husband Samwise and their cats. Yasmine can be reached via her web site at Galenorn.com. Sign up for her newsletter at: http://galenorn.com/newsletter/
NOTE: ALWAYS check the website and blog, and please sign up for her newsletter there to keep current with new and upcoming releases. Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter are NOT viable places to find out all this information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
May 5, 2015
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: This final book in the Indigo Court series delivers a satisfying conclusion to all that has come before it. While I have issues with the series in general, the overall story of this final book is a good one.
Opening Sentence: I stood on a hillock near the Barrow.
The Review:
It’s been six weeks since Cicely returned to New Forest, Washington. So much has changed in her life in that short span of time. She’s discovered she’s an owl shifter, met her father – the King Consort of the Fae Summer Court, faced off against countless Shadow Hunters and vampires – each with their own reasons for wanting her dead, said goodbye to her father, became Queen of the Winter Court, and married her one true love, Grieve. Now, it’s all come down to this: Myst has returned to New Forest with one goal – total domination. Cicely, Grieve, and their friends must band together for one final battle. Who will come out on top?
I’ll be honest, I have many issues with this series in general. I read the first book a couple years ago and was majorly underwhelmed. I gave it one star on my Goodreads account and had decided I wasn’t interested in continuing the series. Then I found out I was going to be reviewing this last book in the series. Cue me frantically making my way through books 2 through 4 so I wouldn’t be completely lost when I started this one. On the bright side, the other books in the series are better than the first, but there are overriding issues in each one, including this one, that keep it from being a great read for me.
I’ll start with the good though. The world and story Galenorn has built is very interesting and unique. I love the idea of the Vampiric Fae and have never seen anything like them in other books I have read. Every time I would get frustrated with something in the book, the desire to find out more about this race of creatures kept me going. Other fae creatures like the Snow Hag and the snow weavers were just icing on the cake.
The big thing for me that kept me from loving this book (and the series in general) is Cicely. I just don’t like her. She doesn’t tend to think before she acts (although to be fair, that does change a bit in this last book). Even after countless warnings from various people about using her power over the wind, she still does it and seems surprised when the warnings ring true. This led to a lot of eye rolling from me. You never want that in reaction to your main character.
I also never warmed up to Grieve or the love story between him and Cicely. It doesn’t matter how many times I was told that they were meant to be together due to their previous life, I just never bought it. It struck me while reading this final book that I think the reason for that is the language used during their love scenes. I don’t need a sex scene to be all flowery words and declarations of love, but when every one is described in terms that remind me more of a casual affair, it makes it very hard for me to feel the love. It also didn’t help that I actually liked Lannan more than Grieve, despite being told countless times how awful he was. On that same subject, I felt the triangle was wrapped up way too quickly and easily, almost as if Galenorn ran out of time and didn’t want to deal with a scene between the three of them actually discussing their feelings.
All of this ranting probably makes it seem like I would be giving this book less than 3 stars, but because of the originality of the story, I have to give it at least that. For a final book in a series, it wraps things up nicely, and I appreciated the epilogue to show where everyone is now. While this series wasn’t always my cup of tea, I do like Galenorn’s Otherworld series and will continue to read that. This series will just have to go on my “Good Story, but Bad Characters” Shelf.
Notable Scene:
The little girl atop the hutch caught my eye, and in her expression I saw both horror and hatred. She would carry this for the rest of her life, if she made it through. She had seen them destroy her family, and right there, I knew she’d grow up with vengeance in her heart — it would be her way of surviving. The hope that she might one day return the favor, should any of the Indigo Court survive.
Cicely — there is another. Ulean’s soft whisper hit me full-on. The slipstream let me hear things that were too quiet to overshadow the noise going on around me.
Another what?
Another child. He is upstairs, in a crib — and he will die shortly if someone doesn’t get up there and save him. There’s a Shadow Hunter nearing his room, and the boy is crying loud enough to be heard.
I tried to make myself heard over the din, but Check shook his head, indicating he couldn’t understand me. Frustrated, I shoved him aside and bolted for the stairs. Check and Fearless were on my heels then, and within seconds Check had scrambled by me to take the lead. I shoved at him, indicating that we needed to continue upstairs, and that, he understood.
We came to the hallway, and there, near a door at the end of the passage, stood one of the Shadow Hunters in his creature form. The sound of the baby was clear enough here, and we could hear his piercing cries over the shrieks of the fighting downstairs.
I pushed forward, but Fearless caught me back. Check engaged the Shadow Hunter as it lunged down the hall, and they fell to the fight. But one against one — not so good of odds, not with Myst’s warriors. And so I shoved Fearless in front of me.
“Help Check! I’m getting the baby.” I shook off his hand and raced into the room as both of my guards began to struggle with the Shadow Hunter. A toddler — possibly a year old, maybe a bit more — was standing up, clinging to the side of the crib. His screams pierced the air. I raced over and swung him into my arms.
As I turned around, I saw the Shadow Hunter dart into the room. Fearless and Check were on his ass, but he covered the space between us in one great leap, and I found myself, baby in hand, facing the ruthless monster.
FTC Advisory: Berkley/Penguin provided me with a copy of Night’s End. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: This final book in the Indigo Court series delivers a satisfying conclusion to all that has come before it. While I have issues with the series in general, the overall story of this final book is a good one.
Opening Sentence: I stood on a hillock near the Barrow.
The Review:
It’s been six weeks since Cicely returned to New Forest, Washington. So much has changed in her life in that short span of time. She’s discovered she’s an owl shifter, met her father – the King Consort of the Fae Summer Court, faced off against countless Shadow Hunters and vampires – each with their own reasons for wanting her dead, said goodbye to her father, became Queen of the Winter Court, and married her one true love, Grieve. Now, it’s all come down to this: Myst has returned to New Forest with one goal – total domination. Cicely, Grieve, and their friends must band together for one final battle. Who will come out on top?
I’ll be honest, I have many issues with this series in general. I read the first book a couple years ago and was majorly underwhelmed. I gave it one star on my Goodreads account and had decided I wasn’t interested in continuing the series. Then I found out I was going to be reviewing this last book in the series. Cue me frantically making my way through books 2 through 4 so I wouldn’t be completely lost when I started this one. On the bright side, the other books in the series are better than the first, but there are overriding issues in each one, including this one, that keep it from being a great read for me.
I’ll start with the good though. The world and story Galenorn has built is very interesting and unique. I love the idea of the Vampiric Fae and have never seen anything like them in other books I have read. Every time I would get frustrated with something in the book, the desire to find out more about this race of creatures kept me going. Other fae creatures like the Snow Hag and the snow weavers were just icing on the cake.
The big thing for me that kept me from loving this book (and the series in general) is Cicely. I just don’t like her. She doesn’t tend to think before she acts (although to be fair, that does change a bit in this last book). Even after countless warnings from various people about using her power over the wind, she still does it and seems surprised when the warnings ring true. This led to a lot of eye rolling from me. You never want that in reaction to your main character.
I also never warmed up to Grieve or the love story between him and Cicely. It doesn’t matter how many times I was told that they were meant to be together due to their previous life, I just never bought it. It struck me while reading this final book that I think the reason for that is the language used during their love scenes. I don’t need a sex scene to be all flowery words and declarations of love, but when every one is described in terms that remind me more of a casual affair, it makes it very hard for me to feel the love. It also didn’t help that I actually liked Lannan more than Grieve, despite being told countless times how awful he was. On that same subject, I felt the triangle was wrapped up way too quickly and easily, almost as if Galenorn ran out of time and didn’t want to deal with a scene between the three of them actually discussing their feelings.
All of this ranting probably makes it seem like I would be giving this book less than 3 stars, but because of the originality of the story, I have to give it at least that. For a final book in a series, it wraps things up nicely, and I appreciated the epilogue to show where everyone is now. While this series wasn’t always my cup of tea, I do like Galenorn’s Otherworld series and will continue to read that. This series will just have to go on my “Good Story, but Bad Characters” Shelf.
Notable Scene:
The little girl atop the hutch caught my eye, and in her expression I saw both horror and hatred. She would carry this for the rest of her life, if she made it through. She had seen them destroy her family, and right there, I knew she’d grow up with vengeance in her heart — it would be her way of surviving. The hope that she might one day return the favor, should any of the Indigo Court survive.
Cicely — there is another. Ulean’s soft whisper hit me full-on. The slipstream let me hear things that were too quiet to overshadow the noise going on around me.
Another what?
Another child. He is upstairs, in a crib — and he will die shortly if someone doesn’t get up there and save him. There’s a Shadow Hunter nearing his room, and the boy is crying loud enough to be heard.
I tried to make myself heard over the din, but Check shook his head, indicating he couldn’t understand me. Frustrated, I shoved him aside and bolted for the stairs. Check and Fearless were on my heels then, and within seconds Check had scrambled by me to take the lead. I shoved at him, indicating that we needed to continue upstairs, and that, he understood.
We came to the hallway, and there, near a door at the end of the passage, stood one of the Shadow Hunters in his creature form. The sound of the baby was clear enough here, and we could hear his piercing cries over the shrieks of the fighting downstairs.
I pushed forward, but Fearless caught me back. Check engaged the Shadow Hunter as it lunged down the hall, and they fell to the fight. But one against one — not so good of odds, not with Myst’s warriors. And so I shoved Fearless in front of me.
“Help Check! I’m getting the baby.” I shook off his hand and raced into the room as both of my guards began to struggle with the Shadow Hunter. A toddler — possibly a year old, maybe a bit more — was standing up, clinging to the side of the crib. His screams pierced the air. I raced over and swung him into my arms.
As I turned around, I saw the Shadow Hunter dart into the room. Fearless and Check were on his ass, but he covered the space between us in one great leap, and I found myself, baby in hand, facing the ruthless monster.
FTC Advisory: Berkley/Penguin provided me with a copy of Night’s End. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
September 8, 2019
This was a satisfying conclusion to this story line. While everything isn't pretty, clean and perfect, Cicely and Rhiannon have found their way through to being the Queens of the Winter and Summer Courts. They've taken the fight to Myst and while there were losses all around an ending has been found. The final battle actually was pretty good. I enjoyed Cicely taking the fight to Myst. There were a few elements that I wished could have been a little more happily ever after solved, but that's not the style here. It was a solid book and I'm happy with where things are. This may have been the best conclusion of the Lannan elements as well. I didn't love where things were going and being hinted at, but I didn't mind the way it all worked out. I'm just not a real Lannan fan.
February 7, 2021
Round up to 4.5 stars.
July 5, 2014
Night's End
Favorite Lines "I need you to be the strong one, I need you to be I control."
"Sweet Cicely, you truly do have a heart of ice now, don't you."
"You'd pay the devil to kill the demon."
"He was my prince, my lover, my deadly protector and he had died for me-with me."
"Great a female? The tend to be more deadly than the males. Always the way Cicely Always the way."
"I knew there would always be two still living. For my own sole bore the blood of The Indigo Court, and Grieve was still part of the Hybrid race. We would never be free of the taint, but then again, was anything ever 100 percent clear and good and pure?"
"I don't believe I'm happily ever after you know," I whispered as we pulled apart. "I don't believe there's ever an ending. Life just keeps going and when you finish one adventure another one begins."
"Destiny wears a different face for every person."
What a bittersweet feeling I have! This ending was spectacular and all I hoped for! I'm crushed to see this amazing world end.
Cicely has always been a character that I admire! She's such a strong beautiful kick ass woman! I knew as this series ended she was going to clean the floor with that crazy Myst and WHOA she did just that!
Myst is making her stand, she's sending the Shadow Hunters out all across the world. The are destroying everything in their path. What Myst doesn't know is Cicely remembers her life as Cherish. She knows Myst's weakness now!
This authors writing easily sucks you into her world, and hold you there until the last word! So much emotion goes on while reading this book. It really was bittersweet! Epic but sad to see it end!
If you haven't read this series you need to ASAP! All paranormal/fantasy lovers will really enjoy this series! I look forward to seeing what this author does in the future and I will read anything she writes!
SPECTACULAR HEARTBREAKING ACTION PACKED SENSUAL
LOVED IT!!!!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review
FIVE WINTER FAIRIES
Favorite Lines "I need you to be the strong one, I need you to be I control."
"Sweet Cicely, you truly do have a heart of ice now, don't you."
"You'd pay the devil to kill the demon."
"He was my prince, my lover, my deadly protector and he had died for me-with me."
"Great a female? The tend to be more deadly than the males. Always the way Cicely Always the way."
"I knew there would always be two still living. For my own sole bore the blood of The Indigo Court, and Grieve was still part of the Hybrid race. We would never be free of the taint, but then again, was anything ever 100 percent clear and good and pure?"
"I don't believe I'm happily ever after you know," I whispered as we pulled apart. "I don't believe there's ever an ending. Life just keeps going and when you finish one adventure another one begins."
"Destiny wears a different face for every person."
What a bittersweet feeling I have! This ending was spectacular and all I hoped for! I'm crushed to see this amazing world end.
Cicely has always been a character that I admire! She's such a strong beautiful kick ass woman! I knew as this series ended she was going to clean the floor with that crazy Myst and WHOA she did just that!
Myst is making her stand, she's sending the Shadow Hunters out all across the world. The are destroying everything in their path. What Myst doesn't know is Cicely remembers her life as Cherish. She knows Myst's weakness now!
This authors writing easily sucks you into her world, and hold you there until the last word! So much emotion goes on while reading this book. It really was bittersweet! Epic but sad to see it end!
If you haven't read this series you need to ASAP! All paranormal/fantasy lovers will really enjoy this series! I look forward to seeing what this author does in the future and I will read anything she writes!
SPECTACULAR HEARTBREAKING ACTION PACKED SENSUAL
LOVED IT!!!!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review
FIVE WINTER FAIRIES
November 9, 2015
Cicely Waters, AKA Queen of Ice and Snow, has managed to not only survive but finally make peace with her new "self" to the point where home is no longer New Forest but the Fae Barrow she at first was wary of.
This was a long awaited ending to myriad battles undertaken by Cicely and her fellow combatants. There have been losses on both sides as a result and now the final battle between she and Myst is upon her, the big question has always been which one would triumph so this is the chance to find out.
I thought that Night's End did a decent job of allowing closure to take place on a lot of points that were questionable from previous 4 books, did not think however it totally did justice to the buildup for the final showdown as it was too quick for me.
Cicely has definetly finally embraced her dual halves and is well on her way to becoming what one would expect from the Queen of Winter, she is still however not quite comfortable with being the final voice when push comes to shove in battle. I like the fact that she and Grieve come to an understanding concerning certain unavoidable complications that could have destroyed their relationship, instead they work things out satisfactorily in the epilogue at the end of the book.
This last one once again pushed the boundaries, once again was very bloody and most of all it was just plain good fantasy reading for a longtime fan of author Yasmine Galenorn.
This was a long awaited ending to myriad battles undertaken by Cicely and her fellow combatants. There have been losses on both sides as a result and now the final battle between she and Myst is upon her, the big question has always been which one would triumph so this is the chance to find out.
I thought that Night's End did a decent job of allowing closure to take place on a lot of points that were questionable from previous 4 books, did not think however it totally did justice to the buildup for the final showdown as it was too quick for me.
Cicely has definetly finally embraced her dual halves and is well on her way to becoming what one would expect from the Queen of Winter, she is still however not quite comfortable with being the final voice when push comes to shove in battle. I like the fact that she and Grieve come to an understanding concerning certain unavoidable complications that could have destroyed their relationship, instead they work things out satisfactorily in the epilogue at the end of the book.
This last one once again pushed the boundaries, once again was very bloody and most of all it was just plain good fantasy reading for a longtime fan of author Yasmine Galenorn.
July 8, 2014
Cicely has gone through a lot in a very short time. Her life was turned upside down when she came back to New Forest and now that she is a Fae Queen she has to not only protect herself but her court as well from Myst who once again is ready to attack the Golden Wood. I have always felt that Cicely was a very strong character. The slow reveal of information about her past and what she was meant for when she was born was intriguing and I was never bored with it. Her relationship with her cousin Rhiannon has remained strong and I have enjoyed watching them fight for their friends and family while growing closer.
Although this is Urban Fantasy there is some romance to be had in the Indigo Court series. Cicely and Grieve have a long history as soul mates and this lifetime together they are finally able to be with one another after a long struggle. I have always been a bit disappointed that Lannan was brought into their story. I'm not really into the sharing of Cicely so it never felt right and I wasn't really satisfied with how things turned out in that department.
The events of NIGHT'S END happened at a nice pace with plenty of action and lots of danger. I felt like the series was over by the end and all loose ends were tied up to my liking. We got a tiny glimpse of the characters future at the end of NIGHT'S END which was nice, I wouldn't mind another little short story diving a bit more into it as I am always interested in what happens after the fact but overall I was happy with the conclusion to the Indigo Courts series.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Although this is Urban Fantasy there is some romance to be had in the Indigo Court series. Cicely and Grieve have a long history as soul mates and this lifetime together they are finally able to be with one another after a long struggle. I have always been a bit disappointed that Lannan was brought into their story. I'm not really into the sharing of Cicely so it never felt right and I wasn't really satisfied with how things turned out in that department.
The events of NIGHT'S END happened at a nice pace with plenty of action and lots of danger. I felt like the series was over by the end and all loose ends were tied up to my liking. We got a tiny glimpse of the characters future at the end of NIGHT'S END which was nice, I wouldn't mind another little short story diving a bit more into it as I am always interested in what happens after the fact but overall I was happy with the conclusion to the Indigo Courts series.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Review Courtesy of: Books That Hook
Night’s End is the action-packed conclusion to the Indigo Court series.
Cicely, now the Queen of Snow and Ice, must band together with foe and friend to defeat Myst once and for all.
I liked how the story began with a brief preface rather than a long prologue. I also appreciated that it didn’t take very long for the action to begin. Cicely learns there is a spy in her court, someone leaking information to Myst. Right after this, Shadow Hunters (vampiric fae) attack in Cicely’s Winter realm.
In chapter two, everything comes to a dead stop with a long section of backstory. I would have preferred for the information to be dropped into the story later in small chunks, but if this needed to be there, it might as well have gone all the way up to the current novel rather than stopping in the beginning of the first book. Yes, it would have been a little longer, but it was already long enough. Another page or so wouldn’t have mattered. That would have helped people who may have missed a book or two.
After this, there aren’t any major interruptions in the story. The pacing is good the rest of the way through. At first, Cicely’s efforts revolve around testing all of her friends and guards to see if any of them are the spy.
Meanwhile, Myst has launched a full-scale attack. Not only does the town of New Forest get hit hard by Shadow Hunters, other places start experiencing it as well. Myst will not stop until she has brought the entire world into a new ice age, and it seems she’d prefer if most humans were dead before that even happens.
Cicely and Rhiannon, her cousin, organize troops to combat the Shadow Hunters. Cicely and Rhiannon’s husbands Grieve and Chatter, the vampires, their other friends, and Cicely’s paternal grandfather all assist in saving the townspeople. Cicely is also working on finding a way to kill Myst.
I liked how Cicely and Rhiannon didn’t let the guards do all the fighting for them. They were willing to take chances and weren’t high and mighty. They still retained their desire to do whatever it takes to protect innocents, including getting their own hands bloody.
I didn’t particularly like how the issue of the spy was dealt with. It seemed that the person who was the spy should have been someone closer to Cicely because that is how the snow hag made it seem. Plus, I have never heard of menial workers being considered part of a queen’s court. Furthermore, the issue of the spy was such a big part of the first half of the book that I feel like it was resolved too simply and too quickly. It was a lot of setup and only a tiny bit of resolution.
I enjoyed how Cicely got the hang of the special way to communicate with the snow hag, a Wilding Fae. She really grows into her role as queen. I’m not sure if that is a good thing, but at least she shows change.
The ending of the book was satisfying. However, I wished it hadn’t had the epilogue that takes us twenty-five years into the future. I would have preferred if I had been allowed to imagine my own future for Cicely, Grieve, and the others.
At the end of the ARC, there was a list of characters and descriptions of each. I felt this was unnecessary. If you read the book, you should know who each person is.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading Night’s End. It wouldn’t have been a fair review if I hadn’t mentioned the things I felt could have been better. That doesn’t mean it was bad by any means. I liked it enough that I would read this book again.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes contemporary fantasy with a strong romantic element. I’m hesitant to call it urban fantasy (although that’s how it’s categorized) because it’s not urban. It’s set partially in rural Washington. The rest of the time is spent in other realms.
The reader should be prepared for explicit sex, infidelity, and lots of swear words. This is not a book for children, teens, or prudes! As long as that doesn’t bother you, you should read the Indigo Court series, ideally starting with the first book, Night Myst.
I’m looking forward to reading more from Yasmine Galenorn.
edit 2/4/17: Because we aren't use half stars anymore, I bumped this up to 5 stars.
Review Courtesy of: Books That Hook
Night’s End is the action-packed conclusion to the Indigo Court series.
Cicely, now the Queen of Snow and Ice, must band together with foe and friend to defeat Myst once and for all.
I liked how the story began with a brief preface rather than a long prologue. I also appreciated that it didn’t take very long for the action to begin. Cicely learns there is a spy in her court, someone leaking information to Myst. Right after this, Shadow Hunters (vampiric fae) attack in Cicely’s Winter realm.
In chapter two, everything comes to a dead stop with a long section of backstory. I would have preferred for the information to be dropped into the story later in small chunks, but if this needed to be there, it might as well have gone all the way up to the current novel rather than stopping in the beginning of the first book. Yes, it would have been a little longer, but it was already long enough. Another page or so wouldn’t have mattered. That would have helped people who may have missed a book or two.
After this, there aren’t any major interruptions in the story. The pacing is good the rest of the way through. At first, Cicely’s efforts revolve around testing all of her friends and guards to see if any of them are the spy.
Meanwhile, Myst has launched a full-scale attack. Not only does the town of New Forest get hit hard by Shadow Hunters, other places start experiencing it as well. Myst will not stop until she has brought the entire world into a new ice age, and it seems she’d prefer if most humans were dead before that even happens.
Cicely and Rhiannon, her cousin, organize troops to combat the Shadow Hunters. Cicely and Rhiannon’s husbands Grieve and Chatter, the vampires, their other friends, and Cicely’s paternal grandfather all assist in saving the townspeople. Cicely is also working on finding a way to kill Myst.
I liked how Cicely and Rhiannon didn’t let the guards do all the fighting for them. They were willing to take chances and weren’t high and mighty. They still retained their desire to do whatever it takes to protect innocents, including getting their own hands bloody.
I didn’t particularly like how the issue of the spy was dealt with. It seemed that the person who was the spy should have been someone closer to Cicely because that is how the snow hag made it seem. Plus, I have never heard of menial workers being considered part of a queen’s court. Furthermore, the issue of the spy was such a big part of the first half of the book that I feel like it was resolved too simply and too quickly. It was a lot of setup and only a tiny bit of resolution.
I enjoyed how Cicely got the hang of the special way to communicate with the snow hag, a Wilding Fae. She really grows into her role as queen. I’m not sure if that is a good thing, but at least she shows change.
The ending of the book was satisfying. However, I wished it hadn’t had the epilogue that takes us twenty-five years into the future. I would have preferred if I had been allowed to imagine my own future for Cicely, Grieve, and the others.
At the end of the ARC, there was a list of characters and descriptions of each. I felt this was unnecessary. If you read the book, you should know who each person is.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading Night’s End. It wouldn’t have been a fair review if I hadn’t mentioned the things I felt could have been better. That doesn’t mean it was bad by any means. I liked it enough that I would read this book again.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes contemporary fantasy with a strong romantic element. I’m hesitant to call it urban fantasy (although that’s how it’s categorized) because it’s not urban. It’s set partially in rural Washington. The rest of the time is spent in other realms.
The reader should be prepared for explicit sex, infidelity, and lots of swear words. This is not a book for children, teens, or prudes! As long as that doesn’t bother you, you should read the Indigo Court series, ideally starting with the first book, Night Myst.
I’m looking forward to reading more from Yasmine Galenorn.
edit 2/4/17: Because we aren't use half stars anymore, I bumped this up to 5 stars.
February 20, 2022
4 stars
Well, at least my Indigo Court binge reading comes to end. I will said the ending is pretty much satisfying which tying all the loose end while still bring some potential of story (which Galenorn prove with one follow-up novella). I do enjoy the world building and the tone of the story. It's all doom and gloom from the start and you can't help to feel the despair that the characters feel. Read the book back to back, make me follow Cicely's journey from nobody important into a Queen of her own right. Although, Galenorn's tendency to summarize the event that happen in the previous books can be too jarring to read. Like, it's just come from nowhere and can take my concentration from the plot. She also like to write the event in Cicely's past as Cherish abruptly, and I know that it's supposed to be a flashback, but it can be written more smoothly.
The strength of the Indigo Court series is in sisterhood and friendship. I like that Cicely got full support from her friends and ally, although what she put them through in this book change their dynamic. I like that Galenorn didn't afraid to take a risk, that in the grande scheme of war, something can be lost, and it's not just about losing a soul. To my surprise, there's no casualties in what supposed as a final battle. No worry to think that your favorite character will meet their demise or not. Which, yeah, can be a little disappointing. The spy plot in this book also concluded to easily, not to mention too rushed for my liking. But, eh, all is well that now Myst is finally gone from the picture.
If you want romance, I can said the romance department is suck with capital S, and you must know what I talk about. I never a fan of Lannan, from the first I dislike his abusive relationship with Cicely. And I feel that Galenorn try so hard to make Cicely and Lannan relationship work. When Cicely admit that she love this sick vampire, it's feel forced. It's like a classic case when the woman feel in love with her abuser, because let's not forget that Lannan is a BULLY. Let's not forget that he humiliated Cicely from the start, continue to taunt and abuse her with his unhealthy obsession. I just rolling my eyes because Cicely think that her desire for Lannan come from her darkest past as Cherish. In this point, I just kinda give up. What's the point of the reincarnation thingie, if in the end your heart will torn in two in your latest reincarnation?? Heck, even Cherish and Shy have much believable romantic relationship which come as star-crossed lover rather than Cicely and Grieve. And speaking about Grieve, MUCH RESPECT for the dude, because his heart apparently as big as the sky. To accept Cicely and Lannan because apparently Lannan save them both. Wow, I can't even *rolling my eyes again. I really wonder if the table turned, that if Grieve in his darkest part still desire Myst, and when Myst died he will..Idk cried like a baby. I will find that pretty hilarious and "ha, joke on you, Cicely". But, eh. Well, at least Galenorn try to solve this love triangle things with everybody happy in the end, and because Cicely is the Queen she will get what she want.
If you like your urban fantasy dark and gritty, with right amount of violence, gore and many twist, Indigo Court might up to your forte. I'm not sure I want to revisit this series again, because I dislike the romance aspect that feel forced and how Galenorn address the issue of abusive relationship. I really try to like Lannan, I do. But he just failed to be the anti-hero like what he supposed to be. Anyway, if you can get pass behind the romance aspect and prefer the urban fantasy part, I really recommend the latter. And I like that Cicely still have flaws, continue to make mistakes, continue to doubt herself if she will failed her Queenly duties, but at least she got support from her close friends. Galenorn's writing is not that stellar, but at least still bearable and easy to read.
Well, at least my Indigo Court binge reading comes to end. I will said the ending is pretty much satisfying which tying all the loose end while still bring some potential of story (which Galenorn prove with one follow-up novella). I do enjoy the world building and the tone of the story. It's all doom and gloom from the start and you can't help to feel the despair that the characters feel. Read the book back to back, make me follow Cicely's journey from nobody important into a Queen of her own right. Although, Galenorn's tendency to summarize the event that happen in the previous books can be too jarring to read. Like, it's just come from nowhere and can take my concentration from the plot. She also like to write the event in Cicely's past as Cherish abruptly, and I know that it's supposed to be a flashback, but it can be written more smoothly.
The strength of the Indigo Court series is in sisterhood and friendship. I like that Cicely got full support from her friends and ally, although what she put them through in this book change their dynamic. I like that Galenorn didn't afraid to take a risk, that in the grande scheme of war, something can be lost, and it's not just about losing a soul. To my surprise, there's no casualties in what supposed as a final battle. No worry to think that your favorite character will meet their demise or not. Which, yeah, can be a little disappointing. The spy plot in this book also concluded to easily, not to mention too rushed for my liking. But, eh, all is well that now Myst is finally gone from the picture.
If you want romance, I can said the romance department is suck with capital S, and you must know what I talk about. I never a fan of Lannan, from the first I dislike his abusive relationship with Cicely. And I feel that Galenorn try so hard to make Cicely and Lannan relationship work. When Cicely admit that she love this sick vampire, it's feel forced. It's like a classic case when the woman feel in love with her abuser, because let's not forget that Lannan is a BULLY. Let's not forget that he humiliated Cicely from the start, continue to taunt and abuse her with his unhealthy obsession. I just rolling my eyes because Cicely think that her desire for Lannan come from her darkest past as Cherish. In this point, I just kinda give up. What's the point of the reincarnation thingie, if in the end your heart will torn in two in your latest reincarnation?? Heck, even Cherish and Shy have much believable romantic relationship which come as star-crossed lover rather than Cicely and Grieve. And speaking about Grieve, MUCH RESPECT for the dude, because his heart apparently as big as the sky. To accept Cicely and Lannan because apparently Lannan save them both. Wow, I can't even *rolling my eyes again. I really wonder if the table turned, that if Grieve in his darkest part still desire Myst, and when Myst died he will..Idk cried like a baby. I will find that pretty hilarious and "ha, joke on you, Cicely". But, eh. Well, at least Galenorn try to solve this love triangle things with everybody happy in the end, and because Cicely is the Queen she will get what she want.
If you like your urban fantasy dark and gritty, with right amount of violence, gore and many twist, Indigo Court might up to your forte. I'm not sure I want to revisit this series again, because I dislike the romance aspect that feel forced and how Galenorn address the issue of abusive relationship. I really try to like Lannan, I do. But he just failed to be the anti-hero like what he supposed to be. Anyway, if you can get pass behind the romance aspect and prefer the urban fantasy part, I really recommend the latter. And I like that Cicely still have flaws, continue to make mistakes, continue to doubt herself if she will failed her Queenly duties, but at least she got support from her close friends. Galenorn's writing is not that stellar, but at least still bearable and easy to read.
July 4, 2014
I picked up the first two books in the series when I signed on to this tour so I could get a good backstory before reading Night's End.
I was familiar with the name of Yasmine Galenorn, but not her work itself. Night Myst thoroughly fascinated me and it alone gave me high hopes for the series finale.
There was a lot of action, a lot of sex and a great heap of emotion included in this book, especially the first few chapters. The reader will feel Cicely's pain at what had to happen to her husband and friends.
There were points, for me, where the book dropped the ball. Description was either too much or not enough. The reader might be overwhelmed by the totality of the author's imagination. Usually, that's a good thing, but even too much of a good thing can be slightly counteractive to the true intent of any story, which is making the reader use his/her own imagination.
The only other thing I noticed was that the author seemed to fail to find her "voice" for part of the book. Cicely has her own voice, but some of the characters seem to fall a bit flat, as can the narration at times.
Otherwise, this is a great fantasy/paranormal book and a good end to the series. It perfectly flowed with the series' previous tone. Fans of Galenorn's will love it and new fans will want to discover the rest of her work.
3/5--fans will love this!
I was familiar with the name of Yasmine Galenorn, but not her work itself. Night Myst thoroughly fascinated me and it alone gave me high hopes for the series finale.
There was a lot of action, a lot of sex and a great heap of emotion included in this book, especially the first few chapters. The reader will feel Cicely's pain at what had to happen to her husband and friends.
There were points, for me, where the book dropped the ball. Description was either too much or not enough. The reader might be overwhelmed by the totality of the author's imagination. Usually, that's a good thing, but even too much of a good thing can be slightly counteractive to the true intent of any story, which is making the reader use his/her own imagination.
The only other thing I noticed was that the author seemed to fail to find her "voice" for part of the book. Cicely has her own voice, but some of the characters seem to fall a bit flat, as can the narration at times.
Otherwise, this is a great fantasy/paranormal book and a good end to the series. It perfectly flowed with the series' previous tone. Fans of Galenorn's will love it and new fans will want to discover the rest of her work.
3/5--fans will love this!
July 10, 2014
This was a strong ending to the series, and while it was a quick one I will truly miss Cicely. She is a really great character with strong growth. Always trying to balance who she is with who she needs to become. And that isn't always who she WANTS to become. I think this is a valuable lesson, and done very well. I really enjoyed the 25 years later epilogue. I generally like to know what happens to everyone after the fact, and I'm glad this was actually shown.
I do love Lannan. I don't know why, just do. and Regina. They both have these really simply stated moments of true emotion that show their feelings for Cicely. And they both care for her, more than they are willing to put into words. So I am quite happy that he turned out to be such a great ally in the end. I know that he did it not for just the war, but to save her as well. That would be twice he saved her life, and he put his on the line as well. I am quite happy that Cicely's true feeling for him were layered on, even though they were complicated. Not everything is simple.
Again, I'm sad to see this one go so quick. But the overall arc was dealt with nicely and wasn't drawn out.
I do love Lannan. I don't know why, just do. and Regina. They both have these really simply stated moments of true emotion that show their feelings for Cicely. And they both care for her, more than they are willing to put into words. So I am quite happy that he turned out to be such a great ally in the end. I know that he did it not for just the war, but to save her as well. That would be twice he saved her life, and he put his on the line as well. I am quite happy that Cicely's true feeling for him were layered on, even though they were complicated. Not everything is simple.
Again, I'm sad to see this one go so quick. But the overall arc was dealt with nicely and wasn't drawn out.
October 7, 2021
Trying to sort out who a spy is in her own court, grasping the Realm of Winter and setting out to destroy Myst. This tale took me on a thrilling rode that I couldn't put down. The highs and lows, the anticipation, the heartache and worry. All rides I would gladly experience again and again. As always Yasmine has a way of drawing you in and leaving you hooked. I found myself yelling at Cicely, weeping for Lannon and excited at the same. 10/10 would highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2015
Great ending to a fabulous series. Cicely must fight her final battle with the evil Queen Myst - her mother in a former life. Yasmine's writing is breath taking, making you see the events as they unfold in such a manner as to think you are actually seeing it yourself. I am sad to see this series end, but I'm looking forward to all of Yasmine's future worlds.
February 1, 2017
5 stars
Good book. Nice ending to the series. Glad they were able to stop Myst. Epilogue was good too. Hope Cecily and Rhiannon have a good rest of their lives as queens.
Can't wait to read the novella, Night Shivers.
Good book. Nice ending to the series. Glad they were able to stop Myst. Epilogue was good too. Hope Cecily and Rhiannon have a good rest of their lives as queens.
Can't wait to read the novella, Night Shivers.
July 8, 2018
The final book in the Indigo Court series is just as great as the rest of the book! Can't wait for more from Yasmine!!
May 9, 2023
What a wild end to this series!!!
September 12, 2014
Fifth in the Indigo Court urban fantasy series and revolving around Cicely, the Queen of Snow and Ice, and her family and friends who live in New Forest near Snoqualmie, Washington.
It’s been a month since Night Vision , 4, and it’s been two months since Cicely returned to Veil House at the start in Night Myst , 1.
My Take
Oh, brother, this is one of Galenorn's off days — she is such an uneven writer! I gagged my way through this juvenile writing, wondering why, and knowing it was only because I wanted to know if this series would end — please god.
Can you say melodramatic? The way Cicely whines on about getting lost within her wind powers, how tragic it would be, and she keeps stepping into it. Rhiannon reminds her that if she learned to use it, she could use it in greater safety. So, why hasn't she worked at this? Why aren't both girls out on the front lines using their tremendous powers to take out the bad guys?
She whines on about Myst, her past, her far past, the negatives and positives of her new powers. She just whines and whines and whines about everything. For the salacious aspect, she whines about how she needs Lannan, that he allows her to be vulnerable with Grieve. The sex thing feels shoved in…yeah, yeah, yeah, I didn't mean it that way!…as if Galenorn figured she needed sex in the book to get people to read it, so it gets dumped in. And just in case, she hints at this threesome possibility [not three at a time, but Cicely with Lannan and Cicely with Grieve] with Cicely whining about how she loves being with them both. Get off the pot, Galenorn! Either go for it or stop. It's just annoying.
Cicely does have a lot of learning experiences in this. She must become colder and more detached. She must accept the "growth spurts" as she becomes accustomed to the new powers her crown gives her. She must learn what it is to truly wield power, the horror of it.
In this story, as Cicely whines about her childhood, she talks about Veil House as if it was refuge, a place she couldn't wait to return to. So…why did it take so long for her to return once her stupid mother died?
There is more back history in this about Cherish, her life with Myst, and the first glimmerings of rebellion on her part. It also provides the detail about Cherish and Shy. How they met, some of their courtship, their escape, and most important, the manner in which they bound their souls.
One of the few real things in this story is Peyton's and Luna's reactions to Kaylin's invasion of their minds.
Galenorn goes on and on about how they have to get the policemen back into the police station. Why? What's so important about the police station? Wouldn't any secure building work? In fact, with all this magic around, why didn't the vampires and the fae put together wards and enchantments to protect people? To protect the town?
From Cicely's memories, it sounds like Myst was a psychopath. As for Violet, I can understand the need, the reason they need to merge, and it's both sad and wonderful. So the two of them and a select group of others go after Myst's great secret and figure she'll have traps up. Why does it never occur to any of them that Myst might have warnings set up as well?
There's an epilogue at the end which takes place 25 years after that last battle. Now, trust me on this, borrow it from the library. Don't waste any money. Unless you do read it and decide you like it. Each to her or his own taste…
The Story
It’s a harsh thought with a brutal action to follow. Someone is spying on Cicely and her court and the shamans must torture every single person in the burrow to be sure they are true. It’s a torture that will not be reserved for the fae alone.
The Characters
Cicely Waters has magic, a gift of wind control as well as the ability to shift into an owl through her connection with the Uwilahsidhe. Violet is one of Cicely's incarnations. Ulean is her Wind Elemental, bound to her by Grieve, who was the Prince of the Court of Rivers and Rushes — and is a Vampiric Fae of the Indigo Court. He's also Cicely's husband. Hunter is Cicely's grandfather and Wrath's father, a Uwilahsidhe. Krystal had been her waste of a mother. "Uncle" Brody had taught her to survive the streets. Andy Chase is a little boy who is the only survivor.
The Court of Snow and Ice
The court resides within the Eldburry Burrow. Check and Fearless are Cicely's personal guards; Olrick leads the first brigade. Druise is her lady's maid. Silverweb is the treasurer; Strict is Cicely's chief advisor. The shamans guard the magic of the court; Thorn is the Elder. Van is another of the shamans.
The Snow Hag is one of the Wilding Fae and has become a friend of Cicely's. Dorthea is a dead spirit, Luna's great-great-grandmother, who will aid them all with Luna's help, but she asks a steep price. Townspeople who come out to help include Trevor Grant.
The Court of Rivers and Rushes
This court resides within the Marburry Burrow. Rhiannon Roland, Cicely's cousin, the Amber to her Jet, is queen to Chatter's king — and Grieve's best friend and cousin. She has a Gift of Fire and is also half Cambyra Fae. Edge is Rhiannon's court advisor. Lanuile is the former queen and Rhiannon's and Grieve's aunt.
Their magic-born friends…
…are now living in Rhiannon's old home, Veil House. Her mother (and Cicely's aunt) was Heather Roland. Kaylin Chen shares his soul with a night-veil demon, and he's a dream walker with the skill of a martial arts sensei. Luna Saunders is a powerful Yummani bard who has taken over Wind Chimes, the magic shop Cicely had planned to open. Zoey is Luna's sister and a member of the Akazzani, a secret society. Peyton MoonRunner is half werepuma and half magic-born with a Gift for divination who wants to open a magical private investigation agency, Mystical Eye Investigations, that will operate from Veil House. Anadey was Peyton's traitorous mother. Rex MoonRunner was her Native American father and a werepuma who was killed in Night Vision . Ysandra Petros is a prime member of the Consortium, a Yummanii, and a powerful witch who has the Gift of sound, energy, and force.
The Vein Lords…
…are true vampires, and they are the true rulers of New Forest. Lannan Altos is the new NW Regent of the Vampire Nation, a perverse vampire who wallows in hedonism. He's Regina's brother and her lover and works as a professor at the New Forest Conservatory. Due to earlier events, Cicely must have sex with him on a regular basis. Regina Altos can appear and function better in society and is the emissary for the Crimson Queen. Crawl is the Blood Oracle, created by the Crimson Queen. He's lost all sense of any scrap of humanity and is the sire of Regina and Lannan. Dakota is the day-runner Lannan appoints. Mort is a vampire Lannan pulls in for the mission to Myst's life-giving secret.
Geoffrey was the previous regent until he betrayed his true colors. Leo Byrne was a day-runner for Geoffrey and Rhiannon's fiancé and betrayer.
The Indigo Court…
…is named for the color their skin becomes when Fae are turned into Vampires and become the Vampiric Fae. Myst is queen and mother of the Indigo Court, turned by Geoffrey centuries ago — and mother to an earlier incarnation of Cicely known as Cherish. The daughter who fell in love with the enemy, Shy. Shadow Hunters is another name for Vampiric Fae. Snow weavers are supernatural spiders.
The Uwilahsidhe are the Owl people of the Cambyra Fae. The Consortium is ruled by the Elder Council and appear to be the hidden rulers of the world. The Wilding Fae are independent, obligated to no one, feral. Everything with them is a bargain, carefully negotiated. The Yummanii are humans. Ice Elementals simply exist. They have no feeling either way about who they serve or if they serve. The Bat People are the children of the night-veil demons. A paralaxium is a creature from a plane of Ice and can kill with a touch.
The Cover
The cover is blue lavenders — soft and peaceful with a snowy night in the forest, an owl perched on a fallen log, and a sexy Cicely in black jeans, deeper lavender bustier, a choker, and a jewel in the middle of her forehead.
The title is a foretelling, for it will be Night’s End.
It’s been a month since Night Vision , 4, and it’s been two months since Cicely returned to Veil House at the start in Night Myst , 1.
My Take
Oh, brother, this is one of Galenorn's off days — she is such an uneven writer! I gagged my way through this juvenile writing, wondering why, and knowing it was only because I wanted to know if this series would end — please god.
Can you say melodramatic? The way Cicely whines on about getting lost within her wind powers, how tragic it would be, and she keeps stepping into it. Rhiannon reminds her that if she learned to use it, she could use it in greater safety. So, why hasn't she worked at this? Why aren't both girls out on the front lines using their tremendous powers to take out the bad guys?
She whines on about Myst, her past, her far past, the negatives and positives of her new powers. She just whines and whines and whines about everything. For the salacious aspect, she whines about how she needs Lannan, that he allows her to be vulnerable with Grieve. The sex thing feels shoved in…yeah, yeah, yeah, I didn't mean it that way!…as if Galenorn figured she needed sex in the book to get people to read it, so it gets dumped in. And just in case, she hints at this threesome possibility [not three at a time, but Cicely with Lannan and Cicely with Grieve] with Cicely whining about how she loves being with them both. Get off the pot, Galenorn! Either go for it or stop. It's just annoying.
Cicely does have a lot of learning experiences in this. She must become colder and more detached. She must accept the "growth spurts" as she becomes accustomed to the new powers her crown gives her. She must learn what it is to truly wield power, the horror of it.
In this story, as Cicely whines about her childhood, she talks about Veil House as if it was refuge, a place she couldn't wait to return to. So…why did it take so long for her to return once her stupid mother died?
There is more back history in this about Cherish, her life with Myst, and the first glimmerings of rebellion on her part. It also provides the detail about Cherish and Shy. How they met, some of their courtship, their escape, and most important, the manner in which they bound their souls.
One of the few real things in this story is Peyton's and Luna's reactions to Kaylin's invasion of their minds.
Galenorn goes on and on about how they have to get the policemen back into the police station. Why? What's so important about the police station? Wouldn't any secure building work? In fact, with all this magic around, why didn't the vampires and the fae put together wards and enchantments to protect people? To protect the town?
From Cicely's memories, it sounds like Myst was a psychopath. As for Violet, I can understand the need, the reason they need to merge, and it's both sad and wonderful. So the two of them and a select group of others go after Myst's great secret and figure she'll have traps up. Why does it never occur to any of them that Myst might have warnings set up as well?
There's an epilogue at the end which takes place 25 years after that last battle. Now, trust me on this, borrow it from the library. Don't waste any money. Unless you do read it and decide you like it. Each to her or his own taste…
The Story
It’s a harsh thought with a brutal action to follow. Someone is spying on Cicely and her court and the shamans must torture every single person in the burrow to be sure they are true. It’s a torture that will not be reserved for the fae alone.
The Characters
Cicely Waters has magic, a gift of wind control as well as the ability to shift into an owl through her connection with the Uwilahsidhe. Violet is one of Cicely's incarnations. Ulean is her Wind Elemental, bound to her by Grieve, who was the Prince of the Court of Rivers and Rushes — and is a Vampiric Fae of the Indigo Court. He's also Cicely's husband. Hunter is Cicely's grandfather and Wrath's father, a Uwilahsidhe. Krystal had been her waste of a mother. "Uncle" Brody had taught her to survive the streets. Andy Chase is a little boy who is the only survivor.
The Court of Snow and Ice
The court resides within the Eldburry Burrow. Check and Fearless are Cicely's personal guards; Olrick leads the first brigade. Druise is her lady's maid. Silverweb is the treasurer; Strict is Cicely's chief advisor. The shamans guard the magic of the court; Thorn is the Elder. Van is another of the shamans.
The Snow Hag is one of the Wilding Fae and has become a friend of Cicely's. Dorthea is a dead spirit, Luna's great-great-grandmother, who will aid them all with Luna's help, but she asks a steep price. Townspeople who come out to help include Trevor Grant.
The Court of Rivers and Rushes
This court resides within the Marburry Burrow. Rhiannon Roland, Cicely's cousin, the Amber to her Jet, is queen to Chatter's king — and Grieve's best friend and cousin. She has a Gift of Fire and is also half Cambyra Fae. Edge is Rhiannon's court advisor. Lanuile is the former queen and Rhiannon's and Grieve's aunt.
Their magic-born friends…
…are now living in Rhiannon's old home, Veil House. Her mother (and Cicely's aunt) was Heather Roland. Kaylin Chen shares his soul with a night-veil demon, and he's a dream walker with the skill of a martial arts sensei. Luna Saunders is a powerful Yummani bard who has taken over Wind Chimes, the magic shop Cicely had planned to open. Zoey is Luna's sister and a member of the Akazzani, a secret society. Peyton MoonRunner is half werepuma and half magic-born with a Gift for divination who wants to open a magical private investigation agency, Mystical Eye Investigations, that will operate from Veil House. Anadey was Peyton's traitorous mother. Rex MoonRunner was her Native American father and a werepuma who was killed in Night Vision . Ysandra Petros is a prime member of the Consortium, a Yummanii, and a powerful witch who has the Gift of sound, energy, and force.
The Vein Lords…
…are true vampires, and they are the true rulers of New Forest. Lannan Altos is the new NW Regent of the Vampire Nation, a perverse vampire who wallows in hedonism. He's Regina's brother and her lover and works as a professor at the New Forest Conservatory. Due to earlier events, Cicely must have sex with him on a regular basis. Regina Altos can appear and function better in society and is the emissary for the Crimson Queen. Crawl is the Blood Oracle, created by the Crimson Queen. He's lost all sense of any scrap of humanity and is the sire of Regina and Lannan. Dakota is the day-runner Lannan appoints. Mort is a vampire Lannan pulls in for the mission to Myst's life-giving secret.
Geoffrey was the previous regent until he betrayed his true colors. Leo Byrne was a day-runner for Geoffrey and Rhiannon's fiancé and betrayer.
The Indigo Court…
…is named for the color their skin becomes when Fae are turned into Vampires and become the Vampiric Fae. Myst is queen and mother of the Indigo Court, turned by Geoffrey centuries ago — and mother to an earlier incarnation of Cicely known as Cherish. The daughter who fell in love with the enemy, Shy. Shadow Hunters is another name for Vampiric Fae. Snow weavers are supernatural spiders.
The Uwilahsidhe are the Owl people of the Cambyra Fae. The Consortium is ruled by the Elder Council and appear to be the hidden rulers of the world. The Wilding Fae are independent, obligated to no one, feral. Everything with them is a bargain, carefully negotiated. The Yummanii are humans. Ice Elementals simply exist. They have no feeling either way about who they serve or if they serve. The Bat People are the children of the night-veil demons. A paralaxium is a creature from a plane of Ice and can kill with a touch.
The Cover
The cover is blue lavenders — soft and peaceful with a snowy night in the forest, an owl perched on a fallen log, and a sexy Cicely in black jeans, deeper lavender bustier, a choker, and a jewel in the middle of her forehead.
The title is a foretelling, for it will be Night’s End.
January 5, 2024
This town runs on treachery.
What a finale. It was sad, and bittersweet, but felt so fulfilling at the same time. It wasn't the way I thought this series would go, but once I was able to accept it for what it was, I was very happy with it anyways. Concluding a five book series is no easy feat, and I'm happy to report Yasmine Galenorn was able to carry it through to the end while ensuring I still cared about all the characters and that everything happening carried real weight.
This review contains very minor spoilers, reader discretion advised!
Whatever we were becoming, it was our destiny, and we had accepted it.
The series, Cicely, and Rhiannon all evolved into places I didn't expect, but it was strangely vindicating watching them come into their own. It also helped that this was actively a theme of the novel and the series overall: life never goes the way we think it will, the challenges we face are never the ones we anticipate and prepare for, and the true path always catches us off-guard, we have to rise to meet it and learn to make our peace with it, and that's life...
I especially found it bittersweet because of how things went for our group of main characters: sometimes you think a person has come into your life forever, but it's a temporary alignment, ships passing in the night and all that.
Cicely felt she had found her found family and a group of forever friends, but it wasn't the final stop for any of them, and destiny pulled everyone in different directions.
"You've got more now than you ever had in your life."
I knew she was right, but there was something I couldn't seem to verbalize. And then I knew. "Kaylin, Luna, Peyton. They were... I thought they'd be my family.
... "Kaylin will follow whatever path he needs to. Peyton will return to her father's pride to learn what she needs to know about that side of her heritage. Luna... Luna might hate you forever. They each have their own journeys. It's hard to accept, but people leave us along the way. People don't always stay with us until the end of the story."
In my experience, this has to be one of the most painful experiences of life, and it's one you have to learn OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN, which makes it a total bitch. It's not easy letting go. And especially when you think you've found your people only to realize it was never going to last, and you were holding onto a dream or vision of your future together that can't really be...?
Devastating. And I felt that heavily here, a major theme threaded throughout the book. Each person has their role to play, and their own way to go.
Destiny wears a different face for every person.
God, what a bitch of a lesson.
Also, HOW is there not a string of spin-off series out there already? Peyton absolutely deserves her own series. Ditto Kaylin and Kayla. And Regina and Lannan have at least one or two books each in them. And Rhia and Cicely's many children. And a consortium series, please. I'll take infinite spin-offs set in this world, it's so detailed and rich and I find it INSANE Yasmine Galenorn hasn't mined it for more books. It's truly magical.
I do feel like a bonus scene or chapter of Cicely, Grieve, and Lannan having a conversation about their relationship was missing near the end. Like when Lannan was found and brought home they should have had a final encounter, just the three of them. If that had happened this honestly could have been five stars for me even though I had sour grapes about how things turned out for some of the characters. I'm fine with Cicely having both guys; they're all immortal and both Grieve and Lannan come from cultures where they'd have much less aversion to poly relationships, but as a reader I wanted to see it play out more. Also I'm pretty sure both of them are bisexual; Lannan definitely is and I doubt Grieve wouldn't take a bite out of that vampire, just saying. So I don't know why all three of them didn't just hook up, but Cicely having regular hookups with Lannan just doesn't bother me honestly.
The epilogue hit me like a brick. It made my heart fall a little (the Luna and Peyton bits were so bittersweet) but it also made me smile a lot. I am NOT normally a fan of babies ever after as a trope but it was balanced here. As Cicely says, life doesn't really have an end or a happy ever after: you just immediately go on to a new adventure. You keep living.
I will be feeling the book hangover after this for a long, long time. I'm honestly just hankering for more, I don't want to leave this world overall, it still has so much potential brimming in it. I know I'll be back for a reread in the future, for sure!
What a finale. It was sad, and bittersweet, but felt so fulfilling at the same time. It wasn't the way I thought this series would go, but once I was able to accept it for what it was, I was very happy with it anyways. Concluding a five book series is no easy feat, and I'm happy to report Yasmine Galenorn was able to carry it through to the end while ensuring I still cared about all the characters and that everything happening carried real weight.
This review contains very minor spoilers, reader discretion advised!
Whatever we were becoming, it was our destiny, and we had accepted it.
The series, Cicely, and Rhiannon all evolved into places I didn't expect, but it was strangely vindicating watching them come into their own. It also helped that this was actively a theme of the novel and the series overall: life never goes the way we think it will, the challenges we face are never the ones we anticipate and prepare for, and the true path always catches us off-guard, we have to rise to meet it and learn to make our peace with it, and that's life...
I especially found it bittersweet because of how things went for our group of main characters: sometimes you think a person has come into your life forever, but it's a temporary alignment, ships passing in the night and all that.
Cicely felt she had found her found family and a group of forever friends, but it wasn't the final stop for any of them, and destiny pulled everyone in different directions.
"You've got more now than you ever had in your life."
I knew she was right, but there was something I couldn't seem to verbalize. And then I knew. "Kaylin, Luna, Peyton. They were... I thought they'd be my family.
... "Kaylin will follow whatever path he needs to. Peyton will return to her father's pride to learn what she needs to know about that side of her heritage. Luna... Luna might hate you forever. They each have their own journeys. It's hard to accept, but people leave us along the way. People don't always stay with us until the end of the story."
In my experience, this has to be one of the most painful experiences of life, and it's one you have to learn OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN, which makes it a total bitch. It's not easy letting go. And especially when you think you've found your people only to realize it was never going to last, and you were holding onto a dream or vision of your future together that can't really be...?
Devastating. And I felt that heavily here, a major theme threaded throughout the book. Each person has their role to play, and their own way to go.
Destiny wears a different face for every person.
God, what a bitch of a lesson.
Also, HOW is there not a string of spin-off series out there already? Peyton absolutely deserves her own series. Ditto Kaylin and Kayla. And Regina and Lannan have at least one or two books each in them. And Rhia and Cicely's many children. And a consortium series, please. I'll take infinite spin-offs set in this world, it's so detailed and rich and I find it INSANE Yasmine Galenorn hasn't mined it for more books. It's truly magical.
I do feel like a bonus scene or chapter of Cicely, Grieve, and Lannan having a conversation about their relationship was missing near the end. Like when Lannan was found and brought home they should have had a final encounter, just the three of them. If that had happened this honestly could have been five stars for me even though I had sour grapes about how things turned out for some of the characters. I'm fine with Cicely having both guys; they're all immortal and both Grieve and Lannan come from cultures where they'd have much less aversion to poly relationships, but as a reader I wanted to see it play out more. Also I'm pretty sure both of them are bisexual; Lannan definitely is and I doubt Grieve wouldn't take a bite out of that vampire, just saying. So I don't know why all three of them didn't just hook up, but Cicely having regular hookups with Lannan just doesn't bother me honestly.
The epilogue hit me like a brick. It made my heart fall a little (the Luna and Peyton bits were so bittersweet) but it also made me smile a lot. I am NOT normally a fan of babies ever after as a trope but it was balanced here. As Cicely says, life doesn't really have an end or a happy ever after: you just immediately go on to a new adventure. You keep living.
I will be feeling the book hangover after this for a long, long time. I'm honestly just hankering for more, I don't want to leave this world overall, it still has so much potential brimming in it. I know I'll be back for a reread in the future, for sure!
December 30, 2020
I'm not sure how I felt about this book in the series.
The characters were the same, the goal was the same but something seemed off.
I think it was the fact that Rhiannon seemed to take a backseat in this story. No matter what she did, Cecily always came along and had to do it better than her. Case in point, when they were fighting the Night Hunters in the town. Cecily and Rhiannon were in a building when a group of Night Hunters came in. Rhiannon called upon her fire and she was doing just fine destroying them. But Cecily couldn't have that. Even though it seemed like Rhiannon could handle and kill all of them, Cecily had to call up her winds and turn into a tornado which left the Shadow Hunters dead, and everyone looking at Cecily in amazement!
In the previous books, the two girls were equal. But in this book, it was CECILY! She was the BEST! She was the MOST powerful. She was all that and ten bags of chips. I will admit, I did not like it.
I liked the characters but I grew tired of Cecily always being the BEST. I liked it when it was a group of characters against the enemies not Cecily with a group of court jesters who were only there so that everyone could marvel at how GREAT SHE was!
The plot was good, the writing itself was good but somewhere Cecily grew too powerful too fast and the other characters suffered as a consequence.
I am interested in reading book #6 just to see what enemy appears since they banished or killed the ones they had.
I have one suggestion for Yasmine Galenorn. Write a series of books from Rhiannon's side. Make her as powerful as Cecily in a different way. Give her good friends and an elemental or two as a companion that Cecily nor Heather ever knew about when Rhiannon was a child.
I also had the feeling that Cecily was jealous because Rhiannon had a mother and a fairly secure, decent childhood. (Perhaps that's why the author made Cecily so powerful? To make up for Cecily having a horrible childhood and teenage years while Rhiannon supposedly was given a great childhood?)
I don't know but I just felt that Rhiannon got short shift in this book.
The characters were the same, the goal was the same but something seemed off.
I think it was the fact that Rhiannon seemed to take a backseat in this story. No matter what she did, Cecily always came along and had to do it better than her. Case in point, when they were fighting the Night Hunters in the town. Cecily and Rhiannon were in a building when a group of Night Hunters came in. Rhiannon called upon her fire and she was doing just fine destroying them. But Cecily couldn't have that. Even though it seemed like Rhiannon could handle and kill all of them, Cecily had to call up her winds and turn into a tornado which left the Shadow Hunters dead, and everyone looking at Cecily in amazement!
In the previous books, the two girls were equal. But in this book, it was CECILY! She was the BEST! She was the MOST powerful. She was all that and ten bags of chips. I will admit, I did not like it.
I liked the characters but I grew tired of Cecily always being the BEST. I liked it when it was a group of characters against the enemies not Cecily with a group of court jesters who were only there so that everyone could marvel at how GREAT SHE was!
The plot was good, the writing itself was good but somewhere Cecily grew too powerful too fast and the other characters suffered as a consequence.
I am interested in reading book #6 just to see what enemy appears since they banished or killed the ones they had.
I have one suggestion for Yasmine Galenorn. Write a series of books from Rhiannon's side. Make her as powerful as Cecily in a different way. Give her good friends and an elemental or two as a companion that Cecily nor Heather ever knew about when Rhiannon was a child.
I also had the feeling that Cecily was jealous because Rhiannon had a mother and a fairly secure, decent childhood. (Perhaps that's why the author made Cecily so powerful? To make up for Cecily having a horrible childhood and teenage years while Rhiannon supposedly was given a great childhood?)
I don't know but I just felt that Rhiannon got short shift in this book.
June 15, 2017
Finished! Very enjoyable and five books was just right. Not much to say. Here are some of my favorite quotes!
"And so there will always be an ending. All stories come to an end, even if it's only to open out into yet another tale. The hero begins his journey, unsure where the path will take him, and then, after the darkest hour, he emerges victorious. But there's always an after. Happily ever after may play true in some faerie stories, but it doesn't always hold true in the world."
"I don't believe in happy ever after, you know," I whispered as we pulled apart. "I don't believe there's ever an ending. Life just keeps going, and when you finish one adventure, another begins."
Cicely, life is never what we think it will be. If you stop expecting it to look a certain way, to flow in a certain direction, then life has the freedom to become what it needs to be. You have to remember that your life is not what Rhiannon's life is, is not what Luna's life is... or Peyton or anyone else you know. Destiny wears a different face for each person.
"And so there will always be an ending. All stories come to an end, even if it's only to open out into yet another tale. The hero begins his journey, unsure where the path will take him, and then, after the darkest hour, he emerges victorious. But there's always an after. Happily ever after may play true in some faerie stories, but it doesn't always hold true in the world."
"I don't believe in happy ever after, you know," I whispered as we pulled apart. "I don't believe there's ever an ending. Life just keeps going, and when you finish one adventure, another begins."
Cicely, life is never what we think it will be. If you stop expecting it to look a certain way, to flow in a certain direction, then life has the freedom to become what it needs to be. You have to remember that your life is not what Rhiannon's life is, is not what Luna's life is... or Peyton or anyone else you know. Destiny wears a different face for each person.
January 23, 2019
Start with Book 1 "Night Myst", and continue sequentially for greatest enjoyment. Each book in the series builds on the previous books. Just two months after leaving LA, and just a month after the coronations, weddings and the dramatic conclusion of Book 4, Myst and her Shadow Hunters return with a vengeance, hoping to defeat Cicely and the Winter Court, and Rhiannon and the Summer Court. It's all out war, no quarter asked, none given. Along with the war with Myst and her minions in the present, Cicely has flashbacks to the past that give her much greater knowledge of her past and heritage, and her connection with Grieve. Throughout the book, the imagery and descriptions are mesmerizing; it is easy to fall into the story, and once in, it is hard to stop reading. When the final search for Myst's heartstone begins, I could not stop. At the end, so many have died, or gone elsewhere! It is a bittersweet ending, but very satisfying.
February 9, 2019
Start with Book 1 "Night Myst", and continue sequentially for greatest enjoyment. Each book in the series builds on the previous books.
Just two months after leaving LA, and just a month after the coronations, weddings and the dramatic conclusion of Book 4, Myst and her Shadow Hunters return with a vengeance, hoping to defeat Cicely and the Winter Court, and Rhiannon and the Summer Court. It's all out war, no quarter asked, none given. Along with the war with Myst and her minions in the present, Cicely has flashbacks to the past that give her much greater knowledge of her past and heritage, and her connection with Grieve. Throughout the book, the imagery and descriptions are mesmerizing; it is easy to fall into the story, and once in, it is hard to stop reading. When the final search for Myst's heartstone begins, I could not stop. At the end, so many have died, or gone elsewhere! It is a bittersweet ending, but very satisfying.
Just two months after leaving LA, and just a month after the coronations, weddings and the dramatic conclusion of Book 4, Myst and her Shadow Hunters return with a vengeance, hoping to defeat Cicely and the Winter Court, and Rhiannon and the Summer Court. It's all out war, no quarter asked, none given. Along with the war with Myst and her minions in the present, Cicely has flashbacks to the past that give her much greater knowledge of her past and heritage, and her connection with Grieve. Throughout the book, the imagery and descriptions are mesmerizing; it is easy to fall into the story, and once in, it is hard to stop reading. When the final search for Myst's heartstone begins, I could not stop. At the end, so many have died, or gone elsewhere! It is a bittersweet ending, but very satisfying.
November 1, 2024
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and I plan to read it again!
I have thoroughly enjoyed this entire series and have put it in my “READ AGAIN” collection! I don’t think I’ll ever tire of reading any Yasmine Galenorm’s books! She is by far my favorite author! She draws her readers into the story and keeps them captivated throughout the entire series! It’s a great talent and one that I wish I would mlike to possess more of! I definitely recommend this author and this series!
I have thoroughly enjoyed this entire series and have put it in my “READ AGAIN” collection! I don’t think I’ll ever tire of reading any Yasmine Galenorm’s books! She is by far my favorite author! She draws her readers into the story and keeps them captivated throughout the entire series! It’s a great talent and one that I wish I would mlike to possess more of! I definitely recommend this author and this series!
August 7, 2019
(Explícito). Todo fue predecible, creo que aquí fue donde Rhia y Cicely admitieron que rhia no era, es y será tan fuerte como lo es Cicely. Admito que el personaje de la nueva reina del verano es muy débil, Chatter también, aunque traten de decir lo contrario. Empezó bien pero después como que la misma serie me hartó y no me dan ganas de leer el libro que le sigue...
November 27, 2017
A great end to a great Series. Looks like Cicely got used to her role ...
August 15, 2018
Thank You, Ms Galenorn.
It's been fun.
Ken
It's been fun.
Ken
February 2, 2021
Full review here:
https://jamesgenrebooks.blogspot.com/...
While I enjoyed it, I feel like I missed most of the story due to not reading the preceding series.
https://jamesgenrebooks.blogspot.com/...
While I enjoyed it, I feel like I missed most of the story due to not reading the preceding series.
July 10, 2014
Originally posted at http://smexybooks.com/2014/07/review-...
Favorite Quote: This is your life. This is your destiny. You must wrap you your feelings and fears and tuck them away in a box.
Night’s End is the last book in Yasmine Galenorn’s wonderfully dark and decadent urban fantasy series-The Indigo Court. *SOB* Fans of the series have watched in awe as Galenorn twists and manipulates supernatural legend and lore into a well crafted story of love, loss, betrayal, redemption, and destiny. Heavily character driven, strong and dynamic characterization have uplifted this series from a run of the mill urban fantasy into something unique and wonderfully entertaining. Smooth writing combined with dark world building immediately engrossed me into the storyline and the characters that inhabit it. The world that Galenorn originally introduced to us has evolved in leaps and bounds; extraordinary in it’s simplistic yet complex layout.
Night’s End picks up where Night Seeker leaves off. Cicely and Rhiannon each wear the crown to their respective kingdoms-Rhiannon holds the reign of Summer while Cicely holds firm to Winter. Myst has recovered from her last defeat and is rising swifty, destroying everyone and everything in her path. Queen Cicely and her allies know that this is their last chance to destroy the Indigo Court and it’s Vampiric Queen for good.
As the Queen of Snow and Ice, Cicely has grown remarkably in the series. A child forced to survive on the streets, caring for her drug addicted mother has become a woman more than worthy to wear the crown. Galenorn has chronicled Cicely’s journey in a remarkable manner, allowing her to make mistakes and and gain knowledge (sometimes at a harsh price) on the path to her destiny. I adored Ciecly. She is the perfect balance of strength, intelligence, and wit with a strong vein of vulnerability within her. She is trying so hard to be the strength her court needs and demands while controlling her own fears. Her tightly wound control is almost broken in here when Ciecly gets her first test as monarch when a traitor is discovered in their mists and Cicely must make some harsh decisions in uncovering them. Decisions involving her friends that shows Cicely how much her life and the choices she makes are no longer her own.
The romance, while always a low key but important aspect of the storyline, unravels itself out with her marriage to Grieve. I loved the reincarnation storyline used to explain their unbreakable bonds. Grieve is perfect for Cicely. His quiet strength, inherent goodness, and warrior status makes for a wonderful grounding agent against Cicely’s more interchangeable nature. Cicely needs someone as strong as she is to stand beside her but also someone who loves her all her sides.
“You’re my shooting star…my my dark queen in the middle of the night sky.”
Lannan Altos, Regent of the Crimson Court, has also played an important part in Cicely’s life and in here we understand exactly how and why. Though their relationship has been a long road filled with pain and humiliation, there is an aspect of his personality that allows Cicely to show her darker nature without any recriminations. Lannon understands her need for pain as it mirrors his need to inflict it. Lannon has also been experiencing some growing pains of his own that in sense, mirroring the changes Cicely is experiencing.
“Lannan fed the darker side of me, the side I didn’t want Grieve to go near. If Grieve stepped into those shadows, then my rock would vanish and I would be fully swallowed up by the abyss.”
The secondary characters are dynamic building blocks in this unfolding saga as each one has had a secret destiny waiting to be revealed, adding suspense and tension to the story. An engaging plot line and multiple sub plots feed upon one another as each revelation brings us closer to the end. Galenorn digs deeper beneath the surface, answering questions from the beginning and placing Ciecly exactly where she needs to be, despite her doubts.
Night’s End and the series as a wholeis a captivating urban fantasy that will appeal to both readers who love a strong female protagonist, non stop action, tense plotlines, and a bittersweet romance that leaves you astounded with each delicious installment. An altogether satisfying read that reaffirms Galenorn is a multi-talented author. Though sad this series had to end, I am left secure in the knowledge that there will be more fantastic adventures from Galenorn to come.
RATING: B+
Favorite Quote: This is your life. This is your destiny. You must wrap you your feelings and fears and tuck them away in a box.
Night’s End is the last book in Yasmine Galenorn’s wonderfully dark and decadent urban fantasy series-The Indigo Court. *SOB* Fans of the series have watched in awe as Galenorn twists and manipulates supernatural legend and lore into a well crafted story of love, loss, betrayal, redemption, and destiny. Heavily character driven, strong and dynamic characterization have uplifted this series from a run of the mill urban fantasy into something unique and wonderfully entertaining. Smooth writing combined with dark world building immediately engrossed me into the storyline and the characters that inhabit it. The world that Galenorn originally introduced to us has evolved in leaps and bounds; extraordinary in it’s simplistic yet complex layout.
Night’s End picks up where Night Seeker leaves off. Cicely and Rhiannon each wear the crown to their respective kingdoms-Rhiannon holds the reign of Summer while Cicely holds firm to Winter. Myst has recovered from her last defeat and is rising swifty, destroying everyone and everything in her path. Queen Cicely and her allies know that this is their last chance to destroy the Indigo Court and it’s Vampiric Queen for good.
As the Queen of Snow and Ice, Cicely has grown remarkably in the series. A child forced to survive on the streets, caring for her drug addicted mother has become a woman more than worthy to wear the crown. Galenorn has chronicled Cicely’s journey in a remarkable manner, allowing her to make mistakes and and gain knowledge (sometimes at a harsh price) on the path to her destiny. I adored Ciecly. She is the perfect balance of strength, intelligence, and wit with a strong vein of vulnerability within her. She is trying so hard to be the strength her court needs and demands while controlling her own fears. Her tightly wound control is almost broken in here when Ciecly gets her first test as monarch when a traitor is discovered in their mists and Cicely must make some harsh decisions in uncovering them. Decisions involving her friends that shows Cicely how much her life and the choices she makes are no longer her own.
The romance, while always a low key but important aspect of the storyline, unravels itself out with her marriage to Grieve. I loved the reincarnation storyline used to explain their unbreakable bonds. Grieve is perfect for Cicely. His quiet strength, inherent goodness, and warrior status makes for a wonderful grounding agent against Cicely’s more interchangeable nature. Cicely needs someone as strong as she is to stand beside her but also someone who loves her all her sides.
“You’re my shooting star…my my dark queen in the middle of the night sky.”
Lannan Altos, Regent of the Crimson Court, has also played an important part in Cicely’s life and in here we understand exactly how and why. Though their relationship has been a long road filled with pain and humiliation, there is an aspect of his personality that allows Cicely to show her darker nature without any recriminations. Lannon understands her need for pain as it mirrors his need to inflict it. Lannon has also been experiencing some growing pains of his own that in sense, mirroring the changes Cicely is experiencing.
“Lannan fed the darker side of me, the side I didn’t want Grieve to go near. If Grieve stepped into those shadows, then my rock would vanish and I would be fully swallowed up by the abyss.”
The secondary characters are dynamic building blocks in this unfolding saga as each one has had a secret destiny waiting to be revealed, adding suspense and tension to the story. An engaging plot line and multiple sub plots feed upon one another as each revelation brings us closer to the end. Galenorn digs deeper beneath the surface, answering questions from the beginning and placing Ciecly exactly where she needs to be, despite her doubts.
Night’s End and the series as a wholeis a captivating urban fantasy that will appeal to both readers who love a strong female protagonist, non stop action, tense plotlines, and a bittersweet romance that leaves you astounded with each delicious installment. An altogether satisfying read that reaffirms Galenorn is a multi-talented author. Though sad this series had to end, I am left secure in the knowledge that there will be more fantastic adventures from Galenorn to come.
RATING: B+
September 3, 2014
Favorite Quote: This is your life. This is your destiny. You must wrap you your feelings and fears and tuck them away in a box.
Night’s End is the last book in Yasmine Galenorn’s wonderfully dark and decadent urban fantasy series-The Indigo Court. *SOB* Fans of the series have watched in awe as Galenorn twists and manipulates supernatural legend and lore into a well crafted story of love, loss, betrayal, redemption, and destiny. Heavily character driven, strong and dynamic characterization have uplifted this series from a run of the mill urban fantasy into something unique and wonderfully entertaining. Smooth writing combined with dark world building immediately engrossed me into the storyline and the characters that inhabit it. The world that Galenorn originally introduced to us has evolved in leaps and bounds; extraordinary in it’s simplistic yet complex layout.
Night’s End picks up where Night Seeker leaves off. Cicely and Rhiannon each wear the crown to their respective kingdoms-Rhiannon holds the reign of Summer while Cicely holds firm to Winter. Myst has recovered from her last defeat and is rising swifty, destroying everyone and everything in her path. Queen Cicely and her allies know that this is their last chance to destroy the Indigo Court and it’s Vampiric Queen for good.
As the Queen of Snow and Ice, Cicely has grown remarkably in the series. A child forced to survive on the streets, caring for her drug addicted mother has become a woman more than worthy to wear the crown. Galenorn has chronicled Cicely’s journey in a remarkable manner, allowing her to make mistakes and and gain knowledge (sometimes at a harsh price) on the path to her destiny. I adored Ciecly. She is the perfect balance of strength, intelligence, and wit with a strong vein of vulnerability within her. She is trying so hard to be the strength her court needs and demands while controlling her own fears. Her tightly wound control is almost broken in here when Ciecly gets her first test as monarch when a traitor is discovered in their mists and Cicely must make some harsh decisions in uncovering them. Decisions involving her friends that shows Cicely how much her life and the choices she makes are no longer her own.
The romance, while always a low key but important aspect of the storyline, unravels itself out with her marriage to Grieve. I loved the reincarnation storyline used to explain their unbreakable bonds. Grieve is perfect for Cicely. His quiet strength, inherent goodness, and warrior status makes for a wonderful grounding agent against Cicely’s more interchangeable nature. Cicely needs someone as strong as she is to stand beside her but also someone who loves her all her sides.
“You’re my shooting star…my my dark queen in the middle of the night sky.”
Lannan Altos, Regent of the Crimson Court, has also played an important part in Cicely’s life and in here we understand exactly how and why. Though their relationship has been a long road filled with pain and humiliation, there is an aspect of his personality that allows Cicely to show her darker nature without any recriminations. Lannon understands her need for pain as it mirrors his need to inflict it. Lannon has also been experiencing some growing pains of his own that in sense, mirroring the changes Cicely is experiencing.
“Lannan fed the darker side of me, the side I didn’t want Grieve to go near. If Grieve stepped into those shadows, then my rock would vanish and I would be fully swallowed up by the abyss.”
The secondary characters are dynamic building blocks in this unfolding saga as each one has had a secret destiny waiting to be revealed, adding suspense and tension to the story. An engaging plot line and multiple sub plots feed upon one another as each revelation brings us closer to the end. Galenorn digs deeper beneath the surface, answering questions from the beginning and placing Ciecly exactly where she needs to be, despite her doubts.
Night’s End and the series as a wholeis a captivating urban fantasy that will appeal to both readers who love a strong female protagonist, non stop action, tense plotlines, and a bittersweet romance that leaves you astounded with each delicious installment. An altogether satisfying read that reaffirms Galenorn is a multi-talented author. Though sad this series had to end, I am left secure in the knowledge that there will be more fantastic adventures from Galenorn to come.
RATING: B+
Night’s End is the last book in Yasmine Galenorn’s wonderfully dark and decadent urban fantasy series-The Indigo Court. *SOB* Fans of the series have watched in awe as Galenorn twists and manipulates supernatural legend and lore into a well crafted story of love, loss, betrayal, redemption, and destiny. Heavily character driven, strong and dynamic characterization have uplifted this series from a run of the mill urban fantasy into something unique and wonderfully entertaining. Smooth writing combined with dark world building immediately engrossed me into the storyline and the characters that inhabit it. The world that Galenorn originally introduced to us has evolved in leaps and bounds; extraordinary in it’s simplistic yet complex layout.
Night’s End picks up where Night Seeker leaves off. Cicely and Rhiannon each wear the crown to their respective kingdoms-Rhiannon holds the reign of Summer while Cicely holds firm to Winter. Myst has recovered from her last defeat and is rising swifty, destroying everyone and everything in her path. Queen Cicely and her allies know that this is their last chance to destroy the Indigo Court and it’s Vampiric Queen for good.
As the Queen of Snow and Ice, Cicely has grown remarkably in the series. A child forced to survive on the streets, caring for her drug addicted mother has become a woman more than worthy to wear the crown. Galenorn has chronicled Cicely’s journey in a remarkable manner, allowing her to make mistakes and and gain knowledge (sometimes at a harsh price) on the path to her destiny. I adored Ciecly. She is the perfect balance of strength, intelligence, and wit with a strong vein of vulnerability within her. She is trying so hard to be the strength her court needs and demands while controlling her own fears. Her tightly wound control is almost broken in here when Ciecly gets her first test as monarch when a traitor is discovered in their mists and Cicely must make some harsh decisions in uncovering them. Decisions involving her friends that shows Cicely how much her life and the choices she makes are no longer her own.
The romance, while always a low key but important aspect of the storyline, unravels itself out with her marriage to Grieve. I loved the reincarnation storyline used to explain their unbreakable bonds. Grieve is perfect for Cicely. His quiet strength, inherent goodness, and warrior status makes for a wonderful grounding agent against Cicely’s more interchangeable nature. Cicely needs someone as strong as she is to stand beside her but also someone who loves her all her sides.
“You’re my shooting star…my my dark queen in the middle of the night sky.”
Lannan Altos, Regent of the Crimson Court, has also played an important part in Cicely’s life and in here we understand exactly how and why. Though their relationship has been a long road filled with pain and humiliation, there is an aspect of his personality that allows Cicely to show her darker nature without any recriminations. Lannon understands her need for pain as it mirrors his need to inflict it. Lannon has also been experiencing some growing pains of his own that in sense, mirroring the changes Cicely is experiencing.
“Lannan fed the darker side of me, the side I didn’t want Grieve to go near. If Grieve stepped into those shadows, then my rock would vanish and I would be fully swallowed up by the abyss.”
The secondary characters are dynamic building blocks in this unfolding saga as each one has had a secret destiny waiting to be revealed, adding suspense and tension to the story. An engaging plot line and multiple sub plots feed upon one another as each revelation brings us closer to the end. Galenorn digs deeper beneath the surface, answering questions from the beginning and placing Ciecly exactly where she needs to be, despite her doubts.
Night’s End and the series as a wholeis a captivating urban fantasy that will appeal to both readers who love a strong female protagonist, non stop action, tense plotlines, and a bittersweet romance that leaves you astounded with each delicious installment. An altogether satisfying read that reaffirms Galenorn is a multi-talented author. Though sad this series had to end, I am left secure in the knowledge that there will be more fantastic adventures from Galenorn to come.
RATING: B+
July 8, 2014
This series is my favorite Galenorn series, by far. I'm thrilled to read this but very sad that it is concluding. Can't wait!
***UPDATE***
The conclusion to Yasmine Galenorn's Indigo Court series was everything I had hoped, and then, not.
Five books spanning such a short time in the universe of Cicely. In the beginning, she rolls into town, after having been away for years. Taken by her strung out mother at a young age, Cicely spent the formative part of her life learning to stay alive and fight. Having only returned to her former hometown on a few occasions to visit throughout the years, she comes home this time when her aunt Heather goes missing.
From the moment her car passes the town limits, her life is changed forever. And we, as the reader, go along for the ride.
Witches, vampires, Fae Queens, and shifting Owls, this series is packed to the hilt with creatures and abilities galore.
But, there is heart. Galenorn does a wonderful job of allowing you to care for the characters, to be heartbroken and joyful along with them.
This last book, Night's End took us for one final ride where lines are crossed in the name of fighting Myst, and finding out who they can trust and who they can't. Cicely must do things that she is loathe to do, but as Queen, she has no other choice. Relationships and people are hurt, altered, torn down, and rebuilt in new ways.
There are times when things just didn't really make sense.
For instance, without giving away more than I need to, when Cicely has to find out if her friends outside of her court are potential traitors, they take a certain character into a room to explain the situation to him, before taking him on his merry way to Crawl. This room would block any potential communication with Myst.
Later, when they need to probe the other three to find out where their loyalties lie, they drug them and mind-rape them, without explaining anything. Why didn't they take them into this room and give them the lowdown as well, before offering to drug and rape them?
And then a certain character disappears at a point. We find out shortly after, that this character has run off on their own to do something (regarding a school). I'm sorry but, this was not entirely well thought out. It was simply a poor plot device in my opinion. (Also, with the town in the state it was in, why the eff were people sending their kids to school in the first place?)
And the ending...I'm happy, overall. However, I feel that it was rushed. As I was reading, and Cicely took her little trip down memory lane and figured out Myst's Achilles heel, as it were, I'm looking at how many pages I have left to read. It's getting pretty thin. Then they take the little poorly timed side-trip to the school, and still, fewer pages.
With what Cicely faced in finding the first one, hiding the second one, I felt that the search for the third one went way too fast, and easy. (purposely being vague so as not to spoil, but if you read the book, you'll know what I'm talking about.) I feel that the ending was rushed, shortened, and a little bit of unfulfilled potential.
I also can't help but feel a little cheated when a particular character changes and then dashes off, never to be seen again (except in his offspring later) (to which I'm hoping, probably pointlessly, that there will be a new series for him?), when a new creature is shown to us, sent away, and it is alluded to that there would be interaction with it in the future for the new Queen, and that Cicely has found all of these connections (her father, Grieve, and now her grandfather) and yet Rhia still takes such a back seat to the story. I know the stories center around Cicely but with Rhia becoming such an important character, it would have been nice to at least meet her father or learn something about her mothers side of the family.
But, I liked that there was that little bit at the end. That we were given a glimpse into their lives later. Though, the cousins marrying cousins?
In all, I am glad I read this series through to the end. My personal opinions and grievances aside, it isn't my book in the end, I am only an observer of this world that Yasmine has built. I'll still rank the Indigo Court series, as my favorite Galenorn series.
***UPDATE***
The conclusion to Yasmine Galenorn's Indigo Court series was everything I had hoped, and then, not.
Five books spanning such a short time in the universe of Cicely. In the beginning, she rolls into town, after having been away for years. Taken by her strung out mother at a young age, Cicely spent the formative part of her life learning to stay alive and fight. Having only returned to her former hometown on a few occasions to visit throughout the years, she comes home this time when her aunt Heather goes missing.
From the moment her car passes the town limits, her life is changed forever. And we, as the reader, go along for the ride.
Witches, vampires, Fae Queens, and shifting Owls, this series is packed to the hilt with creatures and abilities galore.
But, there is heart. Galenorn does a wonderful job of allowing you to care for the characters, to be heartbroken and joyful along with them.
This last book, Night's End took us for one final ride where lines are crossed in the name of fighting Myst, and finding out who they can trust and who they can't. Cicely must do things that she is loathe to do, but as Queen, she has no other choice. Relationships and people are hurt, altered, torn down, and rebuilt in new ways.
There are times when things just didn't really make sense.
For instance, without giving away more than I need to, when Cicely has to find out if her friends outside of her court are potential traitors, they take a certain character into a room to explain the situation to him, before taking him on his merry way to Crawl. This room would block any potential communication with Myst.
Later, when they need to probe the other three to find out where their loyalties lie, they drug them and mind-rape them, without explaining anything. Why didn't they take them into this room and give them the lowdown as well, before offering to drug and rape them?
And then a certain character disappears at a point. We find out shortly after, that this character has run off on their own to do something (regarding a school). I'm sorry but, this was not entirely well thought out. It was simply a poor plot device in my opinion. (Also, with the town in the state it was in, why the eff were people sending their kids to school in the first place?)
And the ending...I'm happy, overall. However, I feel that it was rushed. As I was reading, and Cicely took her little trip down memory lane and figured out Myst's Achilles heel, as it were, I'm looking at how many pages I have left to read. It's getting pretty thin. Then they take the little poorly timed side-trip to the school, and still, fewer pages.
With what Cicely faced in finding the first one, hiding the second one, I felt that the search for the third one went way too fast, and easy. (purposely being vague so as not to spoil, but if you read the book, you'll know what I'm talking about.) I feel that the ending was rushed, shortened, and a little bit of unfulfilled potential.
I also can't help but feel a little cheated when a particular character changes and then dashes off, never to be seen again (except in his offspring later) (to which I'm hoping, probably pointlessly, that there will be a new series for him?), when a new creature is shown to us, sent away, and it is alluded to that there would be interaction with it in the future for the new Queen, and that Cicely has found all of these connections (her father, Grieve, and now her grandfather) and yet Rhia still takes such a back seat to the story. I know the stories center around Cicely but with Rhia becoming such an important character, it would have been nice to at least meet her father or learn something about her mothers side of the family.
But, I liked that there was that little bit at the end. That we were given a glimpse into their lives later. Though, the cousins marrying cousins?
In all, I am glad I read this series through to the end. My personal opinions and grievances aside, it isn't my book in the end, I am only an observer of this world that Yasmine has built. I'll still rank the Indigo Court series, as my favorite Galenorn series.
January 7, 2018
I'm extremely glad that this novel is finally over. Mostly for the simple fact that I was starting to see where the plot was going. In the second novel to be exact. Which just made it harder for me to stay with the story. But other than that this is a good novel. It was rather entertaining in some areas, but right down boring in others. Which at least made this an interesting novels to read.
By all rights to Cicely should feel relieved. She's taking her cousin Rhiannon back from Leo and has finally claimed her throne. A throne that she didn't want at first, but one that she's come to accept. However, Cicely can't enjoy being a Fae Queen when Myst is still trying to kill her. And with Myst still on the loose everything is at stake. Including Cicely herself, who is still too reckless to have in a fight. Because even though she knows that she can't help her warriors out, and must instead escape, she doesn't. She stays to fight, because she can't stand the thought of anyone dying for her. Even if by doing so she's putting herself in even more danger. Which is exactly what Myst thinks she'll do. And it's what she's been waiting for all along. Because one slip-up from Cicely will make her all Myst's. But not if Cicely can help it. And with the help of her flashbacks she may even find a way to destroy her once and for all. Because as Myst's daughter Cherish, Cicely knows things that even Myst doesn't know. Secrets that all of her past lives are now starting to reveal to her. And just in the nick of time too. For Myst has gathered her army and is starting to make her way towards the Golden Woods. And time currently isn't on Cicely's side. So in an attempt to outmaneuver Myst the vampires, fae, and magic-born have all decided to come together in an attempt to finish her off for good. And luckily Cicely may just have a way to do that. Because her flashbacks have revealed a secret that Myst doesn't want anyone to know. A secret that if found can destroy her. The only problem is that Cicely has no idea where so look. And she needs to find out quickly before it's too late.
This novel could be found in either the romance or urban fantasy section of any bookstore. It's a novel that has quite a few different types of characters in it. Some being fae, vampires, witches, and much more. It's a novel full of drama, suspension, mystery, and fighting of course. Making this into quite an interesting novel to read. But it's one that unfortunately has a boring plot to it. Which could be for the simple fact that it's a well-used plot. One that has been dragged through, and stretch thin, in this series. However, it at least had a good ending to it. So for my final recommendation I'd say that if you're a fan of Yasmine Galenorn's novels, to go try this one out. This series just has that touch that only Yasmine Galenorn can give it. Which is why this novel is perfect for Yasmine Galenorn lovers everywhere.
*Read on May 30th, 2017
By all rights to Cicely should feel relieved. She's taking her cousin Rhiannon back from Leo and has finally claimed her throne. A throne that she didn't want at first, but one that she's come to accept. However, Cicely can't enjoy being a Fae Queen when Myst is still trying to kill her. And with Myst still on the loose everything is at stake. Including Cicely herself, who is still too reckless to have in a fight. Because even though she knows that she can't help her warriors out, and must instead escape, she doesn't. She stays to fight, because she can't stand the thought of anyone dying for her. Even if by doing so she's putting herself in even more danger. Which is exactly what Myst thinks she'll do. And it's what she's been waiting for all along. Because one slip-up from Cicely will make her all Myst's. But not if Cicely can help it. And with the help of her flashbacks she may even find a way to destroy her once and for all. Because as Myst's daughter Cherish, Cicely knows things that even Myst doesn't know. Secrets that all of her past lives are now starting to reveal to her. And just in the nick of time too. For Myst has gathered her army and is starting to make her way towards the Golden Woods. And time currently isn't on Cicely's side. So in an attempt to outmaneuver Myst the vampires, fae, and magic-born have all decided to come together in an attempt to finish her off for good. And luckily Cicely may just have a way to do that. Because her flashbacks have revealed a secret that Myst doesn't want anyone to know. A secret that if found can destroy her. The only problem is that Cicely has no idea where so look. And she needs to find out quickly before it's too late.
This novel could be found in either the romance or urban fantasy section of any bookstore. It's a novel that has quite a few different types of characters in it. Some being fae, vampires, witches, and much more. It's a novel full of drama, suspension, mystery, and fighting of course. Making this into quite an interesting novel to read. But it's one that unfortunately has a boring plot to it. Which could be for the simple fact that it's a well-used plot. One that has been dragged through, and stretch thin, in this series. However, it at least had a good ending to it. So for my final recommendation I'd say that if you're a fan of Yasmine Galenorn's novels, to go try this one out. This series just has that touch that only Yasmine Galenorn can give it. Which is why this novel is perfect for Yasmine Galenorn lovers everywhere.
*Read on May 30th, 2017
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