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Crescent City #2
City of Eternal Night
House of Comarré author Kristen Painter weaves a tale of intrigue and betrayal, as the battle for New Orleans escalates in this second novel of the Crescent City series.Mardi Gras approaches, bringing with it hordes of tourists eager to see the real-life Faery Queen holding court atop her festival float. When the Queen is kidnapped, it's up to Augustine, the fae-blooded Guardian of the city, to rescue her before time runs out.But Augustine's mystifying protégée, Harlow, complicates the task by unintentionally aiding the forces of evil, drawing danger closer with each step. The Queen might not be the first to die. . .
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2014
78 people are currently reading
1266 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Painter
178 books3,408 followersKristen Painter likes to balance her obsessions with shoes and cats by making the lives of her characters miserable and surprising her readers with interesting twists. She currently writes award-winning paranormal romance, paranormal women's fiction, and cozy mysteries. The former college English teacher can often be found on twitter @Kristen_Painter, Facebook at www.facebook.com/KristenPainterAuthor where she loves to interact with readers and her blog: http://kristenpainter.com/blog/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
November 28, 2014
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.
The second installment in Kristen Painter’s CRESCENT CITY series was more plot than character driven which was a welcomed tweak because my prevailing criticism about book 1 was the heroine. In fact, I re-read my review of HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN before writing this one, and observed that all of the elements that I’d previously gripped over were amended in CITY OF ETERNAL NIGHT which is exactly what you want to see in a sequel. I asked for more fae mythology & less brattiness, and that’s precisely what the author delivered. Harlow did however make one rash decision towards the end which resulted in a super predictable ending, but other than that, I was one happy camper.
This universe is chock-full of magic and techie excellence; the gaming references, neato gadgets, and spelled clothing fed the nerd. I got a kick out of Harlow and Cy’s Realm of Zauron exchanges, the too-cool-for-school contact lens with built-in facial recognition, and that the beautiful dress that’s featured on the cover was described in vivid detail. The author also tackled well-known fae lore such as mirror travel, and the alternate plane which made for some very robust world-building. In addition, the real reason why Branzino (the villain) wants Olivia’s house so bad was explained, and both the witch & voodoo aspects of this story were in evidence as well.
In the earlier chapters I feared that a love triangle was on the brink of developing between Augustine, Nekai & Harlow, but Painter quickly put the kibosh on that which was a relief. I enjoyed this novel’s investigative-style plot line, and how the author used the various characters’ abilities to her advantage to solve the Fairy Queen’s kidnapping case. Lally’s back story was alarming to say the least, and I liked how all of the threads came together to form an exquisitely crafted cohesive whole. I was surprised that the antagonist was subdued this early on, but there are plenty of contenders to take his place, so I’m not the least bit concerned about this trilogy’s staying power.
Harlow finally showed remorse over her mother’s death, and seemed more open to her fae ancestry which were big pluses for me. I liked that she was deeply involved in Guardian business; it kept her character looking forward instead of wallowing in self-pity. I’m content with how her relationship with Augustine is progressing, and found that their chemistry was much improved in this installment. The only thing that stopped this from being an A+ read were the closing chapters; the heroine was quick to jump the gun after acquiring new info which in turn led to an ending that prompted more than one I-told-you-so moment. I hope this lamentable mistake won’t take all of book 3 to repair.
Kristen Painter’s fae were a head above the rest in CITY OF ETERNAL NIGHT—I ❤ this world!
The second installment in Kristen Painter’s CRESCENT CITY series was more plot than character driven which was a welcomed tweak because my prevailing criticism about book 1 was the heroine. In fact, I re-read my review of HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN before writing this one, and observed that all of the elements that I’d previously gripped over were amended in CITY OF ETERNAL NIGHT which is exactly what you want to see in a sequel. I asked for more fae mythology & less brattiness, and that’s precisely what the author delivered. Harlow did however make one rash decision towards the end which resulted in a super predictable ending, but other than that, I was one happy camper.
This universe is chock-full of magic and techie excellence; the gaming references, neato gadgets, and spelled clothing fed the nerd. I got a kick out of Harlow and Cy’s Realm of Zauron exchanges, the too-cool-for-school contact lens with built-in facial recognition, and that the beautiful dress that’s featured on the cover was described in vivid detail. The author also tackled well-known fae lore such as mirror travel, and the alternate plane which made for some very robust world-building. In addition, the real reason why Branzino (the villain) wants Olivia’s house so bad was explained, and both the witch & voodoo aspects of this story were in evidence as well.
In the earlier chapters I feared that a love triangle was on the brink of developing between Augustine, Nekai & Harlow, but Painter quickly put the kibosh on that which was a relief. I enjoyed this novel’s investigative-style plot line, and how the author used the various characters’ abilities to her advantage to solve the Fairy Queen’s kidnapping case. Lally’s back story was alarming to say the least, and I liked how all of the threads came together to form an exquisitely crafted cohesive whole. I was surprised that the antagonist was subdued this early on, but there are plenty of contenders to take his place, so I’m not the least bit concerned about this trilogy’s staying power.
Harlow finally showed remorse over her mother’s death, and seemed more open to her fae ancestry which were big pluses for me. I liked that she was deeply involved in Guardian business; it kept her character looking forward instead of wallowing in self-pity. I’m content with how her relationship with Augustine is progressing, and found that their chemistry was much improved in this installment. The only thing that stopped this from being an A+ read were the closing chapters; the heroine was quick to jump the gun after acquiring new info which in turn led to an ending that prompted more than one I-told-you-so moment. I hope this lamentable mistake won’t take all of book 3 to repair.
Kristen Painter’s fae were a head above the rest in CITY OF ETERNAL NIGHT—I ❤ this world!
January 27, 2015
As an urban fantasy author, Kristen Painter keeps exceeding my already high expectations. City of Eternal Night is undoubtedly a fabulous addition to her Crescent City series – full of danger, excitement, intrigue and romance.
Painter has an infallible sense of pacing, it seems. The tension here builds slowly, gradually, until it finally drives us to the edge of our seats. The story is mostly told from Augustine and Harlow’s perspectives, although there are things we see through Giselle’s eyes. As the story progresses, the villain’s POV becomes more and more important, and the picture we get in the end is far from hopeful for our two heroes.
Augustine remains the absolute star of this series. His character has grown considerably since the beginning and now, as Guardian, he has a steady moral compass we can’t help but admire. If you add to that his boyish charm, his absolute integrity and strong sense of responsibility, you get a hero as lovable as Adam in Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series, and just as appealing as Kate Daniels’ Curran.
Harlow is still somewhat difficult to like, although she certainly tries. I feel that her character really shows Painter’s remarkable skill. She is extremely vulnerable, which appeals to our protective instincts, but she can also be judgmental and rash. She does make significant progress in this novel, but there’s still a long way to go.
I loved how (slowly) the romance was developed in this book. At the beginning, Harlow was too afraid of her own kind to even think about trusting Augustine, who is so obviously fae. But as she learns more about the different kinds of fae and their abilities, and as Augustine keeps proving again and again how very dependable he is, her attitude starts to change until she is just as attracted to him as he is to her. There two dance a very slow dance, a playful, entertaining negotiation of sorts. Something is always between them, but the obstacles are genuine and not something fabricated to keep them apart. Trust is incredibly important between them – once things finally align, I have a feeling their romance will be epic.
This is a series I cannot recommend highly enough. Painter has already successfully concluded one UF series, and her experience is clear from everything she writes. Even though I loved House of Comarré, this story is obviously more controlled, and I have no doubt there are plently more fabulous things to come.
Painter has an infallible sense of pacing, it seems. The tension here builds slowly, gradually, until it finally drives us to the edge of our seats. The story is mostly told from Augustine and Harlow’s perspectives, although there are things we see through Giselle’s eyes. As the story progresses, the villain’s POV becomes more and more important, and the picture we get in the end is far from hopeful for our two heroes.
Augustine remains the absolute star of this series. His character has grown considerably since the beginning and now, as Guardian, he has a steady moral compass we can’t help but admire. If you add to that his boyish charm, his absolute integrity and strong sense of responsibility, you get a hero as lovable as Adam in Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series, and just as appealing as Kate Daniels’ Curran.
Harlow is still somewhat difficult to like, although she certainly tries. I feel that her character really shows Painter’s remarkable skill. She is extremely vulnerable, which appeals to our protective instincts, but she can also be judgmental and rash. She does make significant progress in this novel, but there’s still a long way to go.
I loved how (slowly) the romance was developed in this book. At the beginning, Harlow was too afraid of her own kind to even think about trusting Augustine, who is so obviously fae. But as she learns more about the different kinds of fae and their abilities, and as Augustine keeps proving again and again how very dependable he is, her attitude starts to change until she is just as attracted to him as he is to her. There two dance a very slow dance, a playful, entertaining negotiation of sorts. Something is always between them, but the obstacles are genuine and not something fabricated to keep them apart. Trust is incredibly important between them – once things finally align, I have a feeling their romance will be epic.
This is a series I cannot recommend highly enough. Painter has already successfully concluded one UF series, and her experience is clear from everything she writes. Even though I loved House of Comarré, this story is obviously more controlled, and I have no doubt there are plently more fabulous things to come.
November 20, 2014
**I received this book for free from Hachette/Orbit in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*My Thoughts*
City of Eternal Night is the sequel to House of the Rising Sun. If you've read Painter's Comarre series, you know that she has created a pretty unique, and interesting world which takes place in the not too distant future (2068). Supernaturals like vampires, fae, and shifters have come out and live closely with humans, especially in places like New Orleans where the Fae rule the city.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
Orbit will be releasing Garden of Dreams and Desires April 7th 2015.
Expected publication: December 2nd 2014 by Orbit
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*My Thoughts*
City of Eternal Night is the sequel to House of the Rising Sun. If you've read Painter's Comarre series, you know that she has created a pretty unique, and interesting world which takes place in the not too distant future (2068). Supernaturals like vampires, fae, and shifters have come out and live closely with humans, especially in places like New Orleans where the Fae rule the city.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
Orbit will be releasing Garden of Dreams and Desires April 7th 2015.
Expected publication: December 2nd 2014 by Orbit
April 25, 2015
4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.com/2014/12/09/b...
My excitement to read this book is evidence enough for me that the first installment of this series ended a lot stronger than it began. I went through the first two-thirds of House of the Rising Sun feeling rather ambivalent towards the protagonists, but by the conclusion Augustine and Harlow managed to win me over. A couple of significant events in the previous novel taught both of them lessons in humility and responsibility, and Harlow especially did a lot of growing up. As such, I looked forward to City of Eternal Night with a newfound respect for the characters.
On top of that, this sequel raises the stakes in every way by setting up a new arc that is bigger, stronger, and more encompassing. The story now goes beyond Augustine and Harlow’s personal problems to involve the whole supernatural community. Of course, the diabolical Branzino also makes a return in an attempt to further disrupt Harlow’s life as well as kill Augustine, and as usual the witches’ coven are up to no good again, but the huge whammy that rocks the fae world this time around is the kidnapping of a young girl from the Mardi Gras Exemplar Ball, which is the by far most important and lavish fae event of the year. There’s no ransom price, just a demand for Augustine to relinquish his role as the city’s fae Guardian – and everyone knows the only way to resign from that position is death.
First, what I loved: speaking of Exemplar Ball, I continue to really enjoy Kristen Painter’s portrayal of the city of New Orleans and the fae community’s place in it. I was even more enchanted by the atmosphere of the ball in this book than I was with the scenes from Nokturnos in House of the Rising Sun. Of course, the Exemplar Ball had to be a masquerade and the theme is predictably “Enchanted Forest”. A little overindulgent, perhaps, but boy, what I wouldn’t give to have been invited to that particular shindig. The descriptions of the decorations, costumes and even the food were wild and extraordinary and magnificent.
I also appreciated Painter’s expansion of the fae world in this installment. It’s easy to forget that this series actually takes place in the future, so sometimes the advanced technology can be a bit jarring. But mixed in with this “new and high-tech” is also mythology and the ancient lore of faeries. The history and background of Lally, a secondary character, is further explored with several big revelations about the old mansion that belonged to Harlow’s mother, also explaining why Branzino also wants it so much. A lot of things start to come together in this sequel, and the author continues to tease the details little by little.
Now for a couple of criticisms, which are minor: firstly, there is absolutely no mystery at all when it comes to the kidnapping case. There are a very limited number of suspects, and despite Augustine and the fae council going nuts over trying to narrow down the culprit, the one responsible is practically named in the book’s own description.
However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any other surprises.
Take the ending, for example. On the one hand, it was abrupt and left us with one hell of a cliffhanger, but on the other, we are set up for a pretty big conundrum which makes me mighty curious as to how things will be resolved.
Finally, despite maturing a bit since the first book, every once in a while Harlow still gets on my nerves. She may be less of a selfish brat, but she’s still terribly naïve (or dumb with a capital D, if you’re feeling less generous). Sad to say, but she brings a lot of her problems on herself. It’s one thing to be socially awkward and a little sheltered, it’s another to have someone tell you straight out NOT to do a certain thing because there will be dire consequences – and even give you examples! – and you go do it anyway. That’s Harlow for you.
Still, my feelings about her notwithstanding, I continue to believe Harlow will become a more sympathetic character, and I’m following the budding romance between her and Augustine with interest. I’m also enjoying the world of this series a lot, and the story is getting better. This sequel is without question an improvement over the first book, and I’m definitely on board for book three.
My excitement to read this book is evidence enough for me that the first installment of this series ended a lot stronger than it began. I went through the first two-thirds of House of the Rising Sun feeling rather ambivalent towards the protagonists, but by the conclusion Augustine and Harlow managed to win me over. A couple of significant events in the previous novel taught both of them lessons in humility and responsibility, and Harlow especially did a lot of growing up. As such, I looked forward to City of Eternal Night with a newfound respect for the characters.
On top of that, this sequel raises the stakes in every way by setting up a new arc that is bigger, stronger, and more encompassing. The story now goes beyond Augustine and Harlow’s personal problems to involve the whole supernatural community. Of course, the diabolical Branzino also makes a return in an attempt to further disrupt Harlow’s life as well as kill Augustine, and as usual the witches’ coven are up to no good again, but the huge whammy that rocks the fae world this time around is the kidnapping of a young girl from the Mardi Gras Exemplar Ball, which is the by far most important and lavish fae event of the year. There’s no ransom price, just a demand for Augustine to relinquish his role as the city’s fae Guardian – and everyone knows the only way to resign from that position is death.
First, what I loved: speaking of Exemplar Ball, I continue to really enjoy Kristen Painter’s portrayal of the city of New Orleans and the fae community’s place in it. I was even more enchanted by the atmosphere of the ball in this book than I was with the scenes from Nokturnos in House of the Rising Sun. Of course, the Exemplar Ball had to be a masquerade and the theme is predictably “Enchanted Forest”. A little overindulgent, perhaps, but boy, what I wouldn’t give to have been invited to that particular shindig. The descriptions of the decorations, costumes and even the food were wild and extraordinary and magnificent.
I also appreciated Painter’s expansion of the fae world in this installment. It’s easy to forget that this series actually takes place in the future, so sometimes the advanced technology can be a bit jarring. But mixed in with this “new and high-tech” is also mythology and the ancient lore of faeries. The history and background of Lally, a secondary character, is further explored with several big revelations about the old mansion that belonged to Harlow’s mother, also explaining why Branzino also wants it so much. A lot of things start to come together in this sequel, and the author continues to tease the details little by little.
Now for a couple of criticisms, which are minor: firstly, there is absolutely no mystery at all when it comes to the kidnapping case. There are a very limited number of suspects, and despite Augustine and the fae council going nuts over trying to narrow down the culprit, the one responsible is practically named in the book’s own description.
However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any other surprises.
Take the ending, for example. On the one hand, it was abrupt and left us with one hell of a cliffhanger, but on the other, we are set up for a pretty big conundrum which makes me mighty curious as to how things will be resolved.
Finally, despite maturing a bit since the first book, every once in a while Harlow still gets on my nerves. She may be less of a selfish brat, but she’s still terribly naïve (or dumb with a capital D, if you’re feeling less generous). Sad to say, but she brings a lot of her problems on herself. It’s one thing to be socially awkward and a little sheltered, it’s another to have someone tell you straight out NOT to do a certain thing because there will be dire consequences – and even give you examples! – and you go do it anyway. That’s Harlow for you.
Still, my feelings about her notwithstanding, I continue to believe Harlow will become a more sympathetic character, and I’m following the budding romance between her and Augustine with interest. I’m also enjoying the world of this series a lot, and the story is getting better. This sequel is without question an improvement over the first book, and I’m definitely on board for book three.
December 11, 2014
3,5 Stars
So this took... a week? to read.
Yeah, I know.. There are several reasons for that. First and foremost, RL getting in the way. But also and sadly it took me a while to get into this.
It started really slow. Nothing wrong with that either. I just wasn't in the mood for slow and intense.
And mentioning intense...If I would have one word to describe this, that would be it.
I think Painter is a master with intense actually. The slow build up of Augies and Harlow's relationship, the dramas and disasters slowly sprinkled through the plot, the incredible descriptions, the world building, the action, the feels... it all is immensely intense. This is not a light anything.
Painters prose is beautiful and she has my heart wrapped around her pen. She is one of the most skilful urban fantasy authors I've ever read.
The world building is amazing. I loved it in City of the Rising Sun, I haven't read House of Comarré , her first series set in the same world, so all of it was new to me. In this instalment Painter added more details and managed to astound me again. I've never been in NOLA but after reading this... I wanna go, really really wanna go. Need to see exactly how Painter took the exciting place, it's feel and character and added her own brand to it. I wanna know exactly how much, how precise.. I wanna see the place that inspired this world.
The story line as I said is at time a bit slow. A slow but steady buildup till the end. There is not as much action as in the first book- I think I kinda missed that- but there is plenty of twists and turns. Some of them, had me totally sidetracked and others I saw coming and was dreading. I kept on oscillating between hoping that it would work out and waiting for the shoe to drop...right till the last word. Which by the way had me wanting to throw my kindle on the wall. I mean I gotta wait till what? APRIL?!! So frustrating! really really frustrating. And if you wondering. It's a cliffy alright. I mean it's not but yeah it is. See still oscillating!
The best part though by far? The character building. It is meticulous. Not a single flat or one-sided character. Each one is interesting, there are several POV, in fact quite a lot of them, but because Painter writes in third person and does an astounding job at it, it adds to the character building. The exact time a POV is chosen, the way they were written- they all unique to the different characters, not once was I confused or lost- all add to the character building. This is not a small cast. There are several new additions in this book, several new kind of fae and magic creatures. Painter managed to bring them across masterfully, I feel like I know them all, some of them I am hoping to get to know better.
Augie and Harlow being the two MCs, one gets to know them best. And I like them, bot , with faults and all. Both of them change and evolve throughout the two books, but stay uniquely themselves at the same time. And their relationship? Slow burn... no insta..Which makes me a happy girl. I did at times wish they would finally get it on. But then again, there is a realness to it, their friendship being deepened and their respect for each other grows slowly. Theirs is a companionship with a promise of more way more. So I can wait.
I was left with so many questions. So so so many. And to be honest I was not really satisfied with the answers that City of Eternal Night gave me. In fact, not much was resolved. A couple of deaths.. that's about it.
There are so many stories woven together, so many still to be told, I can't wait to see how Painter unravels them!
So. April. *takes a deep breath* I guess I could always start reading House of Comarré so long...
So this took... a week? to read.
Yeah, I know.. There are several reasons for that. First and foremost, RL getting in the way. But also and sadly it took me a while to get into this.
It started really slow. Nothing wrong with that either. I just wasn't in the mood for slow and intense.
And mentioning intense...If I would have one word to describe this, that would be it.
I think Painter is a master with intense actually. The slow build up of Augies and Harlow's relationship, the dramas and disasters slowly sprinkled through the plot, the incredible descriptions, the world building, the action, the feels... it all is immensely intense. This is not a light anything.
Painters prose is beautiful and she has my heart wrapped around her pen. She is one of the most skilful urban fantasy authors I've ever read.
The world building is amazing. I loved it in City of the Rising Sun, I haven't read House of Comarré , her first series set in the same world, so all of it was new to me. In this instalment Painter added more details and managed to astound me again. I've never been in NOLA but after reading this... I wanna go, really really wanna go. Need to see exactly how Painter took the exciting place, it's feel and character and added her own brand to it. I wanna know exactly how much, how precise.. I wanna see the place that inspired this world.
The story line as I said is at time a bit slow. A slow but steady buildup till the end. There is not as much action as in the first book- I think I kinda missed that- but there is plenty of twists and turns. Some of them, had me totally sidetracked and others I saw coming and was dreading. I kept on oscillating between hoping that it would work out and waiting for the shoe to drop...right till the last word. Which by the way had me wanting to throw my kindle on the wall. I mean I gotta wait till what? APRIL?!! So frustrating! really really frustrating. And if you wondering. It's a cliffy alright. I mean it's not but yeah it is. See still oscillating!
The best part though by far? The character building. It is meticulous. Not a single flat or one-sided character. Each one is interesting, there are several POV, in fact quite a lot of them, but because Painter writes in third person and does an astounding job at it, it adds to the character building. The exact time a POV is chosen, the way they were written- they all unique to the different characters, not once was I confused or lost- all add to the character building. This is not a small cast. There are several new additions in this book, several new kind of fae and magic creatures. Painter managed to bring them across masterfully, I feel like I know them all, some of them I am hoping to get to know better.
Augie and Harlow being the two MCs, one gets to know them best. And I like them, bot , with faults and all. Both of them change and evolve throughout the two books, but stay uniquely themselves at the same time. And their relationship? Slow burn... no insta..Which makes me a happy girl. I did at times wish they would finally get it on. But then again, there is a realness to it, their friendship being deepened and their respect for each other grows slowly. Theirs is a companionship with a promise of more way more. So I can wait.
I was left with so many questions. So so so many. And to be honest I was not really satisfied with the answers that City of Eternal Night gave me. In fact, not much was resolved. A couple of deaths.. that's about it.
There are so many stories woven together, so many still to be told, I can't wait to see how Painter unravels them!
So. April. *takes a deep breath* I guess I could always start reading House of Comarré so long...
December 6, 2014
I liked the first book and loved this one. That's a good thing right? I have to be honest though, the first third felt slow for me and I struggled remembering this offbeat world too, its like dystopia/UF, but once I got its groove things flowed really well.
Loved the development of this story. Gah! what's next?!
Loved the development of this story. Gah! what's next?!
May 16, 2014
I'm a beta-reader on this one, so have read through it once and soon to go over it again for Kristen. I love working with her. You all are going to love book 2 even more than book 1 which was just released a few days ago.
December 11, 2014
Augustine is now the city guardian. He is tracking down the left over mysterious parts of a suicide that he doesn’t believe was a suicide thanks to powder left at the crime scene. Meanwhile Harlow is learning how to be fae. When a weaver fae comes to the house, to ward it, he asks Harlow to a ball. Before being able to answer Augustine busts in the door and asks Harlow the same question. Once at the ball it’s discovered that Harlow’s father Branzino is up to his old tricks. Lally lets Harlow in on her secret and the witches are still up to no good.
City of Eternal Night is the second book in Painter’s Crescent City series. The POV is in third person that switches between Harlow and Augustine. It also switches to Giselle’s parts, who I also call The Evil Witch, who seems like she’ll be the main villain before too long. These three characters have plots going on that connect through Branzino in one way or another.
I want to discuss Harlow who in the previous installment, House of the Rising Sun, was a buzz kill. In City of Eternal Night she’s turning into a fun character. This is something that feels organic. Augustine and Lally seem to draw her out of her shell bit by bit, it doesn’t hurt that Nekai, the weaver fae, also finds her attractive. I will say that to play such a roll in the story Nekai was a VERY flat character. He is basically described as the shadow of what Augustine was in the past. But this isn’t about him. While Harlow’s sections are a ton of fun towards the end of the novel her choices come into question. A good example without giving anything away: If someone close to you says, “Here is a cup. Poison is in it, don’t drink it. Yes, it’ll taste real good but even if you survive it’ll hurt.” YOU DON’T DRINK IT!!!
Augustine is a busy guardian. All he wants to do is spend time with Harlow, and all I wanted him to do was spend time with Harlow. Maybe her decision making skills wouldn’t have went in a crazy pants direction. There is a mock kidnapping at the ball every year, but this time the kidnapping is real. They kidnap the poor teenage girl playing The Faery Queen and ask for Augustine’s life in exchange. Augustine is a great fun character who is coming along way. He goes around being a caring hero with a bad boy exterior for most of the novel.
Giselle, The Evil Witch, I think is gearing up to be the overall antagonist isn’t that bad right now. She’s obtaining power, making dangerous deals and getting at the right place at the right time. I have to admit that her cut scenes are not my favorite. Every time it switched to her I didn’t feel as excited, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy them. She also seems very trusting for someone that constantly tells us how secretive they are. Like questioning Harlow’s decisions, I question Giselle’s bad girl choices.
City of Eternal Night was a wonderful second installment. More is discovered about the house and Lally’s part in the story. It’s also kind of campy which I REALLY enjoy. Harlow was hard to root for in the first novel and that’s not the case in the second. If things with the relationship between her and Augustine fully blossom I imagine my love for it growing even more. The pacing is great! I finished it in three days, mostly in one sitting. While the first installment wasn’t my favorite, City of Eternal Night has it going on. I love the spanning world of the many fae races and their epic powers. I can’t wait for the third book.
- Elizabeth
City of Eternal Night is the second book in Painter’s Crescent City series. The POV is in third person that switches between Harlow and Augustine. It also switches to Giselle’s parts, who I also call The Evil Witch, who seems like she’ll be the main villain before too long. These three characters have plots going on that connect through Branzino in one way or another.
I want to discuss Harlow who in the previous installment, House of the Rising Sun, was a buzz kill. In City of Eternal Night she’s turning into a fun character. This is something that feels organic. Augustine and Lally seem to draw her out of her shell bit by bit, it doesn’t hurt that Nekai, the weaver fae, also finds her attractive. I will say that to play such a roll in the story Nekai was a VERY flat character. He is basically described as the shadow of what Augustine was in the past. But this isn’t about him. While Harlow’s sections are a ton of fun towards the end of the novel her choices come into question. A good example without giving anything away: If someone close to you says, “Here is a cup. Poison is in it, don’t drink it. Yes, it’ll taste real good but even if you survive it’ll hurt.” YOU DON’T DRINK IT!!!
Augustine is a busy guardian. All he wants to do is spend time with Harlow, and all I wanted him to do was spend time with Harlow. Maybe her decision making skills wouldn’t have went in a crazy pants direction. There is a mock kidnapping at the ball every year, but this time the kidnapping is real. They kidnap the poor teenage girl playing The Faery Queen and ask for Augustine’s life in exchange. Augustine is a great fun character who is coming along way. He goes around being a caring hero with a bad boy exterior for most of the novel.
Giselle, The Evil Witch, I think is gearing up to be the overall antagonist isn’t that bad right now. She’s obtaining power, making dangerous deals and getting at the right place at the right time. I have to admit that her cut scenes are not my favorite. Every time it switched to her I didn’t feel as excited, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy them. She also seems very trusting for someone that constantly tells us how secretive they are. Like questioning Harlow’s decisions, I question Giselle’s bad girl choices.
City of Eternal Night was a wonderful second installment. More is discovered about the house and Lally’s part in the story. It’s also kind of campy which I REALLY enjoy. Harlow was hard to root for in the first novel and that’s not the case in the second. If things with the relationship between her and Augustine fully blossom I imagine my love for it growing even more. The pacing is great! I finished it in three days, mostly in one sitting. While the first installment wasn’t my favorite, City of Eternal Night has it going on. I love the spanning world of the many fae races and their epic powers. I can’t wait for the third book.
- Elizabeth
February 28, 2015
Second in the Crescent City urban fantasy series set in New Orleans and revolving around Augustine and Harlow.
This ARC was provided by NetGalley and Orbit in exchange for an honest review.
My Take
It's scary thinking of a world in which an Internet connection is a luxury. Seems there was some kind of nasty war that has now made electricity and technology very expensive.
That Loudreux is such a jerk, doing everything he can to keep Augustine out and screw him over. You will absolutely adore Augie's comment to Loudreux AND to, ahem, assorted councilmen about proper behavior at the ball, ROFLMAO. It's amazing how frequently Augie has to remind that jerk that he does NOT answer to the Prime. That the Guardian is independent.
Oh, yeah, things are getting interesting. For Harlow anyway. Nekai is expressing an interest in her as well, and Harlow isn't objecting. I do object to her keeping both Augie and Nekai on a string when it comes to the ball. That's just rude and so junior high schoolish. Even more interesting is that gown in Olivia's closet. I want one like that, one that magically fits once that zipper is pulled up. When Painter describes the gown, oh, mama, I really do want it.
Pay attention to Cylo's geekiness and his ethos fae abilities, both will have a bearing later. I'm also wondering about Ian's offer to tattoo Giselle. That he could increase her power with it. And how will that tattoo benefit him? I know what he says, but I wanna know what he's planning.
Having the mother who cared for you for so long murdered will make you focus, and Augustine is very determined as the various supernatural leaders throughout New Orleans discover. They're learning that Augustine is quite direct.
I want Giselle taken down. She is the last person I'd want to see in charge of anything. Augustine's little plot to trick the truth out of her doesn't help matters anyway. I'm sure Daddy wasn't thrilled.
Augie is so amazing! He wants to claim Harlow as his so very badly, but he also understands (and tells Harlow) that he knows he doesn't have the right. He sure doesn't deserve what Ava Mae intends.
Wait until you read why Branzino wants that house so badly. Oh lord. Wait until you learn who Branzino's ally really was in New Orleans. Holy cats. I'd'a never guessed.
I'm with Harlow. Her mother should have told her about her father. It does amaze me that Harlow can be that naive about Ava Mae. With her computer hacking experience, why doesn't she wonder about a back door when it comes to what Ava Mae does? Her paranoia alone should have caused her to question her.
The Story
The city never sleeps and nor do the bad guys. Augie must split his time between enforcing fae law and teaching Harlow self-defense, for he doesn't trust that her father will leave her alone. He's also wrestling with the idea of how, when, to tell Harlow the truth about her mother.
Meanwhile, Harlow needs to find work. Word of her conviction has spread and her previous clients who hired her to do penetration testing are no longer interested. She also needs to learn more about the fae world. A lack that Nekai is more than willing to fill.
Death and more will threaten our friends, especially the kidnapping that goes awry with such horrible events as they struggle to find the victim.
The Characters
Harlow Goodwin, a computer geek who has discovered that her awesome computer skills are due to an affinity for metal from her raptor side, is the daughter of movie star (and haerbinger fae) Olivia Goodwin. Harlow also has a strong — and strongly unwanted — gift of psychometry. With Olivia's "death" in House of the Rising Sun , 1, she and Augustine are co-owners of Olivia's mansion in New Orleans. Ava Mae is the older twin sister whom Branzino murdered. Harlow has inherited her mother's attorney, Lionel Cuthbridge.
Eulalie "Lally" Hughes is the housekeeper and was Livie's best friend. We also learn how very old Lally is and why Olivia didn't leave her the house.
Augustine Robelais, a shadeux/smokesinger fae, is the city's fae Guardian. The Thrun is a fantabulous car that comes along with the job. Blu, Loudreux's bodyguard, and Mortalis share a father with Augustine. Amery is a cousin.
Chyrsabelle is a comarré, a special breed of human bred for her blood; she's married to Mal, a vampire (see the House of Comarré series).
The Guardian's lieutenants
Cylo Greaves, an ethos fae, and Dulcinea (she's a remnant, a mix of fae and varcolai or shifter) are two of Augustine's lieutenants. Dreich, a wysper fae, had been Khell's cousin (he was the previous Guardian and also a wysper fae), one of his lieutenants, and a traitor. Beatrice, an ignus fae who is pregnant with a wysper fae and losing her voice, is the late Guardian's widow. Augie asked her to be one of his lieutenants, and he's let her live in the house that goes with the Guardian job with Dulcinea as a housemate to help her through her pregnancy. After all, he's got half of Olivia's house with Harlow to protect. Sydra is part saboteur fae.
The Elektos are…
…the governing fae body for New Orleans. Fenton Welch, a cypher fae, serves as the Elektos liaison to the Guardian. The Pelcrum, the Elektos' headquarters, is in Lafayette Cemetery. Yanna (an ignus fae) and Salander Meer (saboteur fae) are some of the Elektos on Augie's side.
Hugo Loudreux, a cypher fae, is the Prime, the head of the Elektos, and he hates and despises Augustine. Rue, his young daughter, is this year's Faery Queen for the ball. The Guardian is required to be her escort for the event. Mimi Loudreux is his judgmental little wife and uses her husband's position to get what she wants. Dr. Carlson is their doctor.
Nekai is a weaver who will ward the Goodwin house to help protect Harlow and Lally. And he's very interested in Harlow.
Mardi Gras
The Exemplars are the oldest of the Mardi Gras krewes and they put on a fae-only ball every year to which the Guardian is supposed to get an automatic invitation. Arlis Moore is the mystery man who dances with Harlow and manipulates her into leaving the ball.
Detective Grantham has hit a dead end in investigating Khell's and Dreich's deaths.
Father Ogun is the leading voodoo practitioner in New Orleans. He's very unhappy with Giselle's carelessness.
Joseph Branzino is a raptor fae, a crime boss, and Harlow's father, determined to pull Harlow into his influence and force her to sell him the house. He'll go to any lengths to get what he wants.
The witches
Giselle Vincent, a witch who magnifies her power with crystals, and Zara, a green witch who uses her plants to magnify power, are the daughters of the coven leader in New Orleans. Both are descendants of Aurela La Voisin. Evander Vincent magnifies his power in antiques while their mother, Vivianna, practiced chaos magic. Cormier is her father's butler. Aunt Geeta is the last person Giselle wants to take over as the leader of the coven.
Ian Dufrene, the owner of the House of Pain tattoo parlor, is the newest member of the council and completely in line with Giselle's desires. Seems the pain of tattooing boosts his power.
A Life Management Device (LMD) is like an enhanced smartphone. Weaver fae are the best for setting up protective wards, but they limit themselves to very few spells. Their skin displays their spells, and once their skin is covered in these tattoo-like designs, they can no longer create new spells. An ethos fae can imitate anyone they've seen. Saboteur fae kill with a touch. Cyphers touch someone and see their passwords or codes. Raptors can read metal and feed on emotions; they can also send emotions back into a person. Shadeux fae can blend into the shadows. Smoke-singer fae can slip through solid objects. The Claustrum is a fae prison for the worst of the worst and is located on the fae plane.
Witches use objects to magnify their power. The Great Rite is sex magic.
The Cover and Title
The cover finds a serious-looking Harlow standing before the city skyline with a huge full moon casting its light over all. She's dressed for the Exemplar Mardi Gras ball in her mother's form-fitting dress of nature with leaves that cup her breasts and a full, gathered skirt of the same green with gold inset panels while Mardi Gras beads frame her.
I don't know from whence the title comes. It could be the troubles that haunt New Orleans that make it the City of Eternal Night.
This ARC was provided by NetGalley and Orbit in exchange for an honest review.
My Take
It's scary thinking of a world in which an Internet connection is a luxury. Seems there was some kind of nasty war that has now made electricity and technology very expensive.
That Loudreux is such a jerk, doing everything he can to keep Augustine out and screw him over. You will absolutely adore Augie's comment to Loudreux AND to, ahem, assorted councilmen about proper behavior at the ball, ROFLMAO. It's amazing how frequently Augie has to remind that jerk that he does NOT answer to the Prime. That the Guardian is independent.
Oh, yeah, things are getting interesting. For Harlow anyway. Nekai is expressing an interest in her as well, and Harlow isn't objecting. I do object to her keeping both Augie and Nekai on a string when it comes to the ball. That's just rude and so junior high schoolish. Even more interesting is that gown in Olivia's closet. I want one like that, one that magically fits once that zipper is pulled up. When Painter describes the gown, oh, mama, I really do want it.
Pay attention to Cylo's geekiness and his ethos fae abilities, both will have a bearing later. I'm also wondering about Ian's offer to tattoo Giselle. That he could increase her power with it. And how will that tattoo benefit him? I know what he says, but I wanna know what he's planning.
Having the mother who cared for you for so long murdered will make you focus, and Augustine is very determined as the various supernatural leaders throughout New Orleans discover. They're learning that Augustine is quite direct.
I want Giselle taken down. She is the last person I'd want to see in charge of anything. Augustine's little plot to trick the truth out of her doesn't help matters anyway. I'm sure Daddy wasn't thrilled.
Augie is so amazing! He wants to claim Harlow as his so very badly, but he also understands (and tells Harlow) that he knows he doesn't have the right. He sure doesn't deserve what Ava Mae intends.
Wait until you read why Branzino wants that house so badly. Oh lord. Wait until you learn who Branzino's ally really was in New Orleans. Holy cats. I'd'a never guessed.
I'm with Harlow. Her mother should have told her about her father. It does amaze me that Harlow can be that naive about Ava Mae. With her computer hacking experience, why doesn't she wonder about a back door when it comes to what Ava Mae does? Her paranoia alone should have caused her to question her.
The Story
The city never sleeps and nor do the bad guys. Augie must split his time between enforcing fae law and teaching Harlow self-defense, for he doesn't trust that her father will leave her alone. He's also wrestling with the idea of how, when, to tell Harlow the truth about her mother.
Meanwhile, Harlow needs to find work. Word of her conviction has spread and her previous clients who hired her to do penetration testing are no longer interested. She also needs to learn more about the fae world. A lack that Nekai is more than willing to fill.
Death and more will threaten our friends, especially the kidnapping that goes awry with such horrible events as they struggle to find the victim.
The Characters
Harlow Goodwin, a computer geek who has discovered that her awesome computer skills are due to an affinity for metal from her raptor side, is the daughter of movie star (and haerbinger fae) Olivia Goodwin. Harlow also has a strong — and strongly unwanted — gift of psychometry. With Olivia's "death" in House of the Rising Sun , 1, she and Augustine are co-owners of Olivia's mansion in New Orleans. Ava Mae is the older twin sister whom Branzino murdered. Harlow has inherited her mother's attorney, Lionel Cuthbridge.
Eulalie "Lally" Hughes is the housekeeper and was Livie's best friend. We also learn how very old Lally is and why Olivia didn't leave her the house.
Augustine Robelais, a shadeux/smokesinger fae, is the city's fae Guardian. The Thrun is a fantabulous car that comes along with the job. Blu, Loudreux's bodyguard, and Mortalis share a father with Augustine. Amery is a cousin.
Chyrsabelle is a comarré, a special breed of human bred for her blood; she's married to Mal, a vampire (see the House of Comarré series).
The Guardian's lieutenants
Cylo Greaves, an ethos fae, and Dulcinea (she's a remnant, a mix of fae and varcolai or shifter) are two of Augustine's lieutenants. Dreich, a wysper fae, had been Khell's cousin (he was the previous Guardian and also a wysper fae), one of his lieutenants, and a traitor. Beatrice, an ignus fae who is pregnant with a wysper fae and losing her voice, is the late Guardian's widow. Augie asked her to be one of his lieutenants, and he's let her live in the house that goes with the Guardian job with Dulcinea as a housemate to help her through her pregnancy. After all, he's got half of Olivia's house with Harlow to protect. Sydra is part saboteur fae.
The Elektos are…
…the governing fae body for New Orleans. Fenton Welch, a cypher fae, serves as the Elektos liaison to the Guardian. The Pelcrum, the Elektos' headquarters, is in Lafayette Cemetery. Yanna (an ignus fae) and Salander Meer (saboteur fae) are some of the Elektos on Augie's side.
Hugo Loudreux, a cypher fae, is the Prime, the head of the Elektos, and he hates and despises Augustine. Rue, his young daughter, is this year's Faery Queen for the ball. The Guardian is required to be her escort for the event. Mimi Loudreux is his judgmental little wife and uses her husband's position to get what she wants. Dr. Carlson is their doctor.
Nekai is a weaver who will ward the Goodwin house to help protect Harlow and Lally. And he's very interested in Harlow.
Mardi Gras
The Exemplars are the oldest of the Mardi Gras krewes and they put on a fae-only ball every year to which the Guardian is supposed to get an automatic invitation. Arlis Moore is the mystery man who dances with Harlow and manipulates her into leaving the ball.
Detective Grantham has hit a dead end in investigating Khell's and Dreich's deaths.
Father Ogun is the leading voodoo practitioner in New Orleans. He's very unhappy with Giselle's carelessness.
Joseph Branzino is a raptor fae, a crime boss, and Harlow's father, determined to pull Harlow into his influence and force her to sell him the house. He'll go to any lengths to get what he wants.
The witches
Giselle Vincent, a witch who magnifies her power with crystals, and Zara, a green witch who uses her plants to magnify power, are the daughters of the coven leader in New Orleans. Both are descendants of Aurela La Voisin. Evander Vincent magnifies his power in antiques while their mother, Vivianna, practiced chaos magic. Cormier is her father's butler. Aunt Geeta is the last person Giselle wants to take over as the leader of the coven.
Ian Dufrene, the owner of the House of Pain tattoo parlor, is the newest member of the council and completely in line with Giselle's desires. Seems the pain of tattooing boosts his power.
A Life Management Device (LMD) is like an enhanced smartphone. Weaver fae are the best for setting up protective wards, but they limit themselves to very few spells. Their skin displays their spells, and once their skin is covered in these tattoo-like designs, they can no longer create new spells. An ethos fae can imitate anyone they've seen. Saboteur fae kill with a touch. Cyphers touch someone and see their passwords or codes. Raptors can read metal and feed on emotions; they can also send emotions back into a person. Shadeux fae can blend into the shadows. Smoke-singer fae can slip through solid objects. The Claustrum is a fae prison for the worst of the worst and is located on the fae plane.
Witches use objects to magnify their power. The Great Rite is sex magic.
The Cover and Title
The cover finds a serious-looking Harlow standing before the city skyline with a huge full moon casting its light over all. She's dressed for the Exemplar Mardi Gras ball in her mother's form-fitting dress of nature with leaves that cup her breasts and a full, gathered skirt of the same green with gold inset panels while Mardi Gras beads frame her.
I don't know from whence the title comes. It could be the troubles that haunt New Orleans that make it the City of Eternal Night.
September 8, 2020
I did a lot of reading last night lol this was okay kinda liked it better than the first
December 5, 2014
3.5 stars
See this review and others like it at Badass Book Reviews!
The Crescent City series is shaping up to be a nice successor to Kristen Painter's previous House of Comarré novels, but I do think City of Eternal Night lost some of its momentum in the second half due to a rather predictable ending. I still enjoyed my visit with Augustine and Harlow though and I do think all the characterization was better here than in the debut story and the mythology of the fae world continued to build in interesting new ways.
Even the fae celebrate Mardi Gras and, in City of Eternal Night, we see Harlow and Augustine attending a krewe ball where the young Fairy Queen is supposed to be "kidnapped" for a night while her parents pay the ransom that funds next year's ball. This innocent tradition turns deadly when the young girl, Rue, is really kidnapped and the only demand made by the kidnapper is that Augustine is removed as city Guardian. One problem... the only way to be removed as Guardian is death. Augustine and the Elektos must race to find Rue before she or Augustine ends up dead. Their best lead is provided by Harlow's fae powers as she is drawn deeper and deeper into the mysteries and secrets of their world.
In the first book, House of the Rising Sun , we met Harlow's parents, haerbinger fae Olivia and raptor fae Branzino. While Olivia always wanted the best for Harlow, Branzino has sinister motivations that involved controlling Harlow and taking her house. We never knew why Branzino was going to such lengths to get the house, but we finally find that out and then some in City of Eternal Night. We learn the secrets Lally has been keeping and find out just how much of this new world Harlow has no clue about. Olivia and Harlow finally seem to connect and Harlow is told all of her family's secrets, including that she had a twin sister who was murdered by Branzino. This fact comes out to play very strongly in the final act and leaves us with an ending anyone could have seen coming from a mile away.
We also learn more about the witches, especially Giselle's family, in City of Eternal Night and their machinations against the fae. There is a much deeper game being played than anyone knew. While I don't particularly like Giselle or her turn at POV narrating, it makes sense because we wouldn't know what she is up to any other way. She doesn't have personal connections with any of the other main characters and lives her life fairly separate from fae society. The witches are chafing at the fae's rules though and Giselle plans to be the one to free them to retake the city. We know just how much she is up to, but Augustine and the Elektos are just starting to scratch the surface.
I know this is planned as a trilogy, but I was surprised at the retribution Branzino faced so swiftly. It almost seems like his status as the "big bad" was just a cover for the real power player to emerge -- my money is still on Giselle and now her sister Zara as well. Though I'm not ecstatic with Harlow's situation at the end of the book, I am hopeful that it will be dealt with swiftly in the final novel. I want to see more development between Harlow and Augustine and to see Harlow learning how to use her newly developing powers. I want a final confrontation between Augustine and Giselle and I want to see some repercussions for the power transfer between Augustine, Blu, and Mortalis. Overall, City of Eternal Night was a very fun read and did its part as a middle book to keep me excited for the series finale next year, Garden of Dreams and Desires.
Thank you to Orbit and Netgalley for providing an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See this review and others like it at Badass Book Reviews!
The Crescent City series is shaping up to be a nice successor to Kristen Painter's previous House of Comarré novels, but I do think City of Eternal Night lost some of its momentum in the second half due to a rather predictable ending. I still enjoyed my visit with Augustine and Harlow though and I do think all the characterization was better here than in the debut story and the mythology of the fae world continued to build in interesting new ways.
Even the fae celebrate Mardi Gras and, in City of Eternal Night, we see Harlow and Augustine attending a krewe ball where the young Fairy Queen is supposed to be "kidnapped" for a night while her parents pay the ransom that funds next year's ball. This innocent tradition turns deadly when the young girl, Rue, is really kidnapped and the only demand made by the kidnapper is that Augustine is removed as city Guardian. One problem... the only way to be removed as Guardian is death. Augustine and the Elektos must race to find Rue before she or Augustine ends up dead. Their best lead is provided by Harlow's fae powers as she is drawn deeper and deeper into the mysteries and secrets of their world.
In the first book, House of the Rising Sun , we met Harlow's parents, haerbinger fae Olivia and raptor fae Branzino. While Olivia always wanted the best for Harlow, Branzino has sinister motivations that involved controlling Harlow and taking her house. We never knew why Branzino was going to such lengths to get the house, but we finally find that out and then some in City of Eternal Night. We learn the secrets Lally has been keeping and find out just how much of this new world Harlow has no clue about. Olivia and Harlow finally seem to connect and Harlow is told all of her family's secrets, including that she had a twin sister who was murdered by Branzino. This fact comes out to play very strongly in the final act and leaves us with an ending anyone could have seen coming from a mile away.
We also learn more about the witches, especially Giselle's family, in City of Eternal Night and their machinations against the fae. There is a much deeper game being played than anyone knew. While I don't particularly like Giselle or her turn at POV narrating, it makes sense because we wouldn't know what she is up to any other way. She doesn't have personal connections with any of the other main characters and lives her life fairly separate from fae society. The witches are chafing at the fae's rules though and Giselle plans to be the one to free them to retake the city. We know just how much she is up to, but Augustine and the Elektos are just starting to scratch the surface.
I know this is planned as a trilogy, but I was surprised at the retribution Branzino faced so swiftly. It almost seems like his status as the "big bad" was just a cover for the real power player to emerge -- my money is still on Giselle and now her sister Zara as well. Though I'm not ecstatic with Harlow's situation at the end of the book, I am hopeful that it will be dealt with swiftly in the final novel. I want to see more development between Harlow and Augustine and to see Harlow learning how to use her newly developing powers. I want a final confrontation between Augustine and Giselle and I want to see some repercussions for the power transfer between Augustine, Blu, and Mortalis. Overall, City of Eternal Night was a very fun read and did its part as a middle book to keep me excited for the series finale next year, Garden of Dreams and Desires.
Thank you to Orbit and Netgalley for providing an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2015
4 moons - City of Eternal Night by Kristen Painter Kristen Painter pulled in a lot of twists and turns in the second book in her Crescent City series. I was not expecting City of Eternal Night to lead up to that kind of ending and several moments of twists throughout the story. I think I'm still in shock over that ending. (Let me regroup for a minute)………………...
Things that I loved in City of Eternal Night:
I am in love with Augustine. There is no double about it, I am love with Augustine. He has changed in City of Eternal Night due to him becoming the guardian of the city. He has a lot of responsibility now and he also has changed from player boy to having his eyes on one certain person…Harlow. Although, in this book Auggie is hiding some major secrets from Harlow, so he not ready to admit his true feelings to Harlow until he can be more open. In fact, one of the secrets involves Harlow's mother. Harlow may not forgive him for his secret.
I loved the world building in this book due to how Kristen introduces more supernaturals into the story. These supernaturals all despise one another, especially the witches vs. Fae. The witches want to take over NOLA and they will do anything to gain that power. The witches have their own enemy they are dealing with in this book. The voodoo practitioners will do anything to prove they are not be messed with. It's a world-wind of crazy power happening in NOLA.
I did enjoy Harlow's character in the beginning of the book because she is opening up to being Fae now and she is more determined to learn how to fight for herself. Unfortunately, I had issues with her towards a certain incident she did. She did something very crazy and it left me in shock on why she would even trust this certain someone. Ugh!
The one thing that did bother me in City of Eternal Night was Harlow and her crazy irrational decision that I mentioned just a moment ago. Oh…Harlow, honey you should've just listened to Lally. I was seriously in shock over her 360 decision she made without consulting someone else first. I thought it went to quick for her to make the decision. I also didn't like the certain someone she helped. Ugh! But I know, this character had to come forward in the story, I just wasn't too prepared for it to happen. I was hoping Harlow would get some help in the matter.
I'm a very curious on where Kristen Painter is going to take the story next because that cliffhanger was a shocker. I was not expecting this story to go the way it did. I enjoyed every bit of characterization and world-building in this book. I have no idea how Kristen Painter keeps up with all the details, but she is a master at it. She makes every one of her characters interesting and unforgettable. I'm still thinking about every one of the characters and that ending. I need to know what happens next.
I give this book 4 stars and highly recommend this book to Urban Fantasy readers out there. Readers that have read Kristen's House of Comarre will recognize some other characters to show up in City of Eternal Night. =)
Things that I loved in City of Eternal Night:
I am in love with Augustine. There is no double about it, I am love with Augustine. He has changed in City of Eternal Night due to him becoming the guardian of the city. He has a lot of responsibility now and he also has changed from player boy to having his eyes on one certain person…Harlow. Although, in this book Auggie is hiding some major secrets from Harlow, so he not ready to admit his true feelings to Harlow until he can be more open. In fact, one of the secrets involves Harlow's mother. Harlow may not forgive him for his secret.
I loved the world building in this book due to how Kristen introduces more supernaturals into the story. These supernaturals all despise one another, especially the witches vs. Fae. The witches want to take over NOLA and they will do anything to gain that power. The witches have their own enemy they are dealing with in this book. The voodoo practitioners will do anything to prove they are not be messed with. It's a world-wind of crazy power happening in NOLA.
I did enjoy Harlow's character in the beginning of the book because she is opening up to being Fae now and she is more determined to learn how to fight for herself. Unfortunately, I had issues with her towards a certain incident she did. She did something very crazy and it left me in shock on why she would even trust this certain someone. Ugh!
The one thing that did bother me in City of Eternal Night was Harlow and her crazy irrational decision that I mentioned just a moment ago. Oh…Harlow, honey you should've just listened to Lally. I was seriously in shock over her 360 decision she made without consulting someone else first. I thought it went to quick for her to make the decision. I also didn't like the certain someone she helped. Ugh! But I know, this character had to come forward in the story, I just wasn't too prepared for it to happen. I was hoping Harlow would get some help in the matter.
I'm a very curious on where Kristen Painter is going to take the story next because that cliffhanger was a shocker. I was not expecting this story to go the way it did. I enjoyed every bit of characterization and world-building in this book. I have no idea how Kristen Painter keeps up with all the details, but she is a master at it. She makes every one of her characters interesting and unforgettable. I'm still thinking about every one of the characters and that ending. I need to know what happens next.
I give this book 4 stars and highly recommend this book to Urban Fantasy readers out there. Readers that have read Kristen's House of Comarre will recognize some other characters to show up in City of Eternal Night. =)
February 19, 2015
City of Eternal Night by Kristen Painter continues the story of Augustine and Harlow, Giselle, Lally, and several other prominent characters whom we met in the first book, House of the Rising Sun!
This book really has a lot going on with it. There are 2 main storylines going on that are separate but together. I’m very interested in seeing where Painter is taking this. The structure of this book is great. It has a fast pace, but not so fast that you feel like you are missing things along the way. There are twists, turns and Daaamn moments throughout instead of just one big crazy moment at the end.
I’ve had trouble reading books that I call “wordy.” They are books that have way more words than are probably necessary, but aren’t necessarily wrong enough to remove. It’s not that I can’t read them, it’s that I have to be able to really pay attention to what I’m reading, In a house with 3 kids and a man child, the opportunity to pay attention to ANYTHING is rare. That having been said, City of Eternal Night is NOT overly wordy. I was able to read it all without complaint.
I love that we get to know a bit more about Lally. I have been curious about what her deal is since the first book, so I’m glad to finally get a glimpse into who she really is.
Harlow Harlow Harlow. I want to like her. Even through the first book, House of the Rising Sun, I repeatedly thought she was going to do something to redeem herself. I don’t understand how she’s so naïve. There are so many times where I just want to punch her in the face and ask her what the hell is wrong with her! I don’t think I’ve ever read a character that is so clueless. She almost deserves the bad things that happen to her. I wonder what has to happen for her to really get it. Oh wait, I think I know what it is lol. I guess you’ll have to read City of Eternal Night to find out.
I am glad to see Harlow finally starting to accept her fae side, but she is still horribly stubborn. She’s also incredibly impulsive. Dangerously so. She doesn’t grasp the concept of thinking things through before she does them. She’s a horror movie victim waiting to happen.
I love this world that Kristen Painter has created within New Orleans. I’ve never been to New Orleans, but I’m hoping to go one day very soon. Since I’ve never been there, I wonder how much of Painter’s book I won’t realize is fiction until I actually go there! There are a few things I do know aren’t real, but certainly would be very cool if they were. Apparently, Fae seamstresses can make dresses that will fit any body type perfectly. The outfits Harlow and Augustine wear to the Elektos Ball sound divine and I wish I could have an opportunity to wear something similar to what Harlow wears for an event. It sounds beautiful! I also like Painter’s use of essentially made up swear words. I’ve found myself using the term, “Sturka” myself, especially after I was told it can mean whatever I want it to! It’s a nice substitution for the F word when necessary!
I really do look forward to reading the rest of this series and highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys Urban Fantasy or Paranormal Romance.
This book really has a lot going on with it. There are 2 main storylines going on that are separate but together. I’m very interested in seeing where Painter is taking this. The structure of this book is great. It has a fast pace, but not so fast that you feel like you are missing things along the way. There are twists, turns and Daaamn moments throughout instead of just one big crazy moment at the end.
I’ve had trouble reading books that I call “wordy.” They are books that have way more words than are probably necessary, but aren’t necessarily wrong enough to remove. It’s not that I can’t read them, it’s that I have to be able to really pay attention to what I’m reading, In a house with 3 kids and a man child, the opportunity to pay attention to ANYTHING is rare. That having been said, City of Eternal Night is NOT overly wordy. I was able to read it all without complaint.
I love that we get to know a bit more about Lally. I have been curious about what her deal is since the first book, so I’m glad to finally get a glimpse into who she really is.
Harlow Harlow Harlow. I want to like her. Even through the first book, House of the Rising Sun, I repeatedly thought she was going to do something to redeem herself. I don’t understand how she’s so naïve. There are so many times where I just want to punch her in the face and ask her what the hell is wrong with her! I don’t think I’ve ever read a character that is so clueless. She almost deserves the bad things that happen to her. I wonder what has to happen for her to really get it. Oh wait, I think I know what it is lol. I guess you’ll have to read City of Eternal Night to find out.
I am glad to see Harlow finally starting to accept her fae side, but she is still horribly stubborn. She’s also incredibly impulsive. Dangerously so. She doesn’t grasp the concept of thinking things through before she does them. She’s a horror movie victim waiting to happen.
I love this world that Kristen Painter has created within New Orleans. I’ve never been to New Orleans, but I’m hoping to go one day very soon. Since I’ve never been there, I wonder how much of Painter’s book I won’t realize is fiction until I actually go there! There are a few things I do know aren’t real, but certainly would be very cool if they were. Apparently, Fae seamstresses can make dresses that will fit any body type perfectly. The outfits Harlow and Augustine wear to the Elektos Ball sound divine and I wish I could have an opportunity to wear something similar to what Harlow wears for an event. It sounds beautiful! I also like Painter’s use of essentially made up swear words. I’ve found myself using the term, “Sturka” myself, especially after I was told it can mean whatever I want it to! It’s a nice substitution for the F word when necessary!
I really do look forward to reading the rest of this series and highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys Urban Fantasy or Paranormal Romance.
December 2, 2014
Pick up this book.. if you're questioning, don't. It's worth it, whatever price you see, completely totally worth it!!
Wow! This book was fantastic! I have to say that KP did even better with book 2 then book 1, though I loved both completely. Coming into the series not having read any of KP's outside a novella or two, I really liked her world building skills, and really fleshing out both characters and scenery. There's so many little additions to this book that just take it over the top, from the description of costumes to the sights and smells of New Orleans. I've been struggling to find the right words to describe this book. Augustine is a great leading man, he's a rake turned gentleman, and he's all about Harlow. Harlow really grew in this book, she's strong, and she's more willing to put herself out there and stop being so selfish. These characters are not flat by any means. They explode off the page, and have you thinking about them even when the book is closed. I was really impressed with the detail in this book. Many authors either give way too much detail and clog the book up, or they give too little, and you imagination is left scrambling for more. KP gives you the perfect amount. You can visually picture the characters, their outfits, the parades, and the battles. You're in it like it's a movie, and you're along for the ride. I just honestly adored this book. I wanted to quit my job and read this book for a living! The villains are dark, twisted and just plain wrong, and there's so many shades of 'grey" dealing with right and wrong, that characters are not intentionally good or bad, or maybe they are? It's a great interest to see how characters develop, and judging my book two there's some characters I'm really interested to see if they develop for good or bad. Overall, the book grabbed me and refused to let me go, and I lost sleep because of it, but I wouldn't change it! The ending wrenched my heart, and I wanted to scream and throw the book, but it's just too darn pretty to do that! I'm completely team Augustine & Harlow, and I'm just so excited for what KP has in store for book 3! I'm a fae girl through and through and this book was perfect! It had everything I was looking for, plus witches, vampires, and some voodoo! It's just a big giant dose of amazing wrapped in a paperback cover. I flew through book 1 and book 2 in just 3 weeks. Non stop reading (when I wasn't working). So, thank you KP for bringing this world to me! I'm loving it, and plan to read everything else you've ever written!
*I was given a copy of this book from publisher for review.
Wow! This book was fantastic! I have to say that KP did even better with book 2 then book 1, though I loved both completely. Coming into the series not having read any of KP's outside a novella or two, I really liked her world building skills, and really fleshing out both characters and scenery. There's so many little additions to this book that just take it over the top, from the description of costumes to the sights and smells of New Orleans. I've been struggling to find the right words to describe this book. Augustine is a great leading man, he's a rake turned gentleman, and he's all about Harlow. Harlow really grew in this book, she's strong, and she's more willing to put herself out there and stop being so selfish. These characters are not flat by any means. They explode off the page, and have you thinking about them even when the book is closed. I was really impressed with the detail in this book. Many authors either give way too much detail and clog the book up, or they give too little, and you imagination is left scrambling for more. KP gives you the perfect amount. You can visually picture the characters, their outfits, the parades, and the battles. You're in it like it's a movie, and you're along for the ride. I just honestly adored this book. I wanted to quit my job and read this book for a living! The villains are dark, twisted and just plain wrong, and there's so many shades of 'grey" dealing with right and wrong, that characters are not intentionally good or bad, or maybe they are? It's a great interest to see how characters develop, and judging my book two there's some characters I'm really interested to see if they develop for good or bad. Overall, the book grabbed me and refused to let me go, and I lost sleep because of it, but I wouldn't change it! The ending wrenched my heart, and I wanted to scream and throw the book, but it's just too darn pretty to do that! I'm completely team Augustine & Harlow, and I'm just so excited for what KP has in store for book 3! I'm a fae girl through and through and this book was perfect! It had everything I was looking for, plus witches, vampires, and some voodoo! It's just a big giant dose of amazing wrapped in a paperback cover. I flew through book 1 and book 2 in just 3 weeks. Non stop reading (when I wasn't working). So, thank you KP for bringing this world to me! I'm loving it, and plan to read everything else you've ever written!
*I was given a copy of this book from publisher for review.
April 7, 2015
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.
Reading CITY OF ETERNAL NIGHT is like getting sucked into a whole new world. It's one of those books that makes you wonder where the time went, since it flows so smoothly and effortlessly. It was a treat to revisit Harlow and Augustine, and their world full of fae politics and intrigue.
With some secrets being revealed, and some plot lines thickening, CITY OF ETERNAL NIGHT strikes the perfect balance between satisfying the readers' curiosity, and keeping them coming back for more. Unlike HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN, I felt that Harlow played a much larger role in this book, and that was exciting to me, since I really like her as a character. Also, the sexual tension between her and Augustine was so yummy! The secondary characters continue to play significant parts in the plot, and are well-fleshed out and even surprising at times.
My only complaint is that while I am interested in the direction that Painter is taking the series after the end of CITY OF ETERNAL NIGHT, the way that she got there was a little predictable. Plus, Harlow acted a bit naively, and though she's a relatively innocent character, it felt like she was purposefully making bad decisions, which was frustrating. There's also the quasi-love triangle, which I know can be a deterrent for some readers. (Let's be honest though, we all know that Augustine is the guy for Harlow.)
CITY OF ETERNAL NIGHT was a really great second book to the series. With plenty of action and excitement, and a huge cliffhanger, I know I'll be back for more in GARDEN OF DREAMS AND DESIRES, the third book in the Crescent City series. And if you haven't read HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN, it is worth the investment, and will lead to greater enjoyment of CITY OF ETERNAL NIGHT.
Sexual content: Kissing, some sexual content.
Reading CITY OF ETERNAL NIGHT is like getting sucked into a whole new world. It's one of those books that makes you wonder where the time went, since it flows so smoothly and effortlessly. It was a treat to revisit Harlow and Augustine, and their world full of fae politics and intrigue.
With some secrets being revealed, and some plot lines thickening, CITY OF ETERNAL NIGHT strikes the perfect balance between satisfying the readers' curiosity, and keeping them coming back for more. Unlike HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN, I felt that Harlow played a much larger role in this book, and that was exciting to me, since I really like her as a character. Also, the sexual tension between her and Augustine was so yummy! The secondary characters continue to play significant parts in the plot, and are well-fleshed out and even surprising at times.
My only complaint is that while I am interested in the direction that Painter is taking the series after the end of CITY OF ETERNAL NIGHT, the way that she got there was a little predictable. Plus, Harlow acted a bit naively, and though she's a relatively innocent character, it felt like she was purposefully making bad decisions, which was frustrating. There's also the quasi-love triangle, which I know can be a deterrent for some readers. (Let's be honest though, we all know that Augustine is the guy for Harlow.)
CITY OF ETERNAL NIGHT was a really great second book to the series. With plenty of action and excitement, and a huge cliffhanger, I know I'll be back for more in GARDEN OF DREAMS AND DESIRES, the third book in the Crescent City series. And if you haven't read HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN, it is worth the investment, and will lead to greater enjoyment of CITY OF ETERNAL NIGHT.
Sexual content: Kissing, some sexual content.
December 5, 2014
*This book was provided by the publisher/author to Nerd Girl Official for an honest review.
ANOTHER FIVE STARS FOR THE HOUSE OF KRISTEN PAINTER!!!
FAN~TABULOUS!!! I am such a fangirl for anything from the “House of Kristen Painter” First the House of Comarre series, then the House of Rising Sun and now the sequel to HoRS, City of Eternal Light.
I do believe I enjoyed this installment of the Crescent City Series more than I enjoyed anything I have read from Kristen. Her writing has LEAPED off the pages and had me turning so fast I swear I would have had a zillion paper cuts if I were not an experienced page-turner.
AND may I add ~ I LOVE FAE MYTHOLOGY!!! The magic they possess and the magic their “objects” possess. I won’t go into detail regarding what I mean but if you have read Richelle Mead’s Storm Born Series or Karen Marie Monings Fever Series you will see that this series is of the same caliber of greatness. (Raising my eyebrows, I kid you NOT.)
Her world building was skillfully crafted and the characters held heartbeats within the pages. I can already tell you that this trilogy will be one that I can enjoy over and over again. Sadly, it will be with a heavy heart that I will have to force myself to read the 3rd book. SNIFF SNIFF…. I never want them to end!
Note: Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding reviews please visit NerdGirlOfficial(dot)com
ANOTHER FIVE STARS FOR THE HOUSE OF KRISTEN PAINTER!!!
FAN~TABULOUS!!! I am such a fangirl for anything from the “House of Kristen Painter” First the House of Comarre series, then the House of Rising Sun and now the sequel to HoRS, City of Eternal Light.
I do believe I enjoyed this installment of the Crescent City Series more than I enjoyed anything I have read from Kristen. Her writing has LEAPED off the pages and had me turning so fast I swear I would have had a zillion paper cuts if I were not an experienced page-turner.
AND may I add ~ I LOVE FAE MYTHOLOGY!!! The magic they possess and the magic their “objects” possess. I won’t go into detail regarding what I mean but if you have read Richelle Mead’s Storm Born Series or Karen Marie Monings Fever Series you will see that this series is of the same caliber of greatness. (Raising my eyebrows, I kid you NOT.)
Her world building was skillfully crafted and the characters held heartbeats within the pages. I can already tell you that this trilogy will be one that I can enjoy over and over again. Sadly, it will be with a heavy heart that I will have to force myself to read the 3rd book. SNIFF SNIFF…. I never want them to end!
Note: Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding reviews please visit NerdGirlOfficial(dot)com
December 15, 2014
City of Eternal Night is the second book in Kristen Painter's Crescent City series and after reading and really liking book one, House of the Rising Sun, I was really looking forward to it. Unfortunately, even though there were some great moments and we briefly got to see Chrysabelle, Mal, and Mortalis again, it was predictable (which I loathe) and ended in a cliffhanger (which I loathe even more). Had I not seen Harlow's issue coming from a mile away and had said issue been resolved in City of Eternal Night, it would have been a much better book, in my opinion.
That said, I am looking forward to the third book in the series, Garden of Dreams and Desires, to get the resolution this book so desperately needed. I give City of Eternal Night 3.5 stars and really hope the final book in the Crescent City trilogy isn't so damn predictable.
*eARC PROVIDED BY ORBIT BOOKS VIA NETGALLEY*
That said, I am looking forward to the third book in the series, Garden of Dreams and Desires, to get the resolution this book so desperately needed. I give City of Eternal Night 3.5 stars and really hope the final book in the Crescent City trilogy isn't so damn predictable.
*eARC PROVIDED BY ORBIT BOOKS VIA NETGALLEY*
December 14, 2014
This is one of those conflicting type books for me, the story was great, the characters and their interactions was great. The story arc from book 1 was done and several others moved along or started but the author leaves the reader with a bit of a cliffhanger ending that I felt was not needed and really taints my enjoyment of this novel.
I would recommend waiting until book 3 was out before getting this, the best way would be to get all 3 once book 3 is released sometime in 2015.
4 Stars and not saying a lot in this review because I was happy with the book until the last chapter or two and it left me in a very NOT happy place as a reader.
I would recommend waiting until book 3 was out before getting this, the best way would be to get all 3 once book 3 is released sometime in 2015.
4 Stars and not saying a lot in this review because I was happy with the book until the last chapter or two and it left me in a very NOT happy place as a reader.
April 15, 2015
First let me start off by saying - I did receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am a big Kristen Painter fan and truly love her books. The characters are in depth, diverse and unique.
The second book in the House of the rising Sun series is even better than the first! This follows the same characters on their personal journeys that they begrudgingly are taking together.
I say if you even slightly liked the first one you'll love this one!
I am a big Kristen Painter fan and truly love her books. The characters are in depth, diverse and unique.
The second book in the House of the rising Sun series is even better than the first! This follows the same characters on their personal journeys that they begrudgingly are taking together.
I say if you even slightly liked the first one you'll love this one!
March 6, 2016
Good book! Didn't care for the cliffhanger ending! Can't wait to find out what happens to Harlow/Ava Marie!
June 3, 2022
Ok so here’s the dealio. I like the story. And the setting, and the characters. I love some of them and love to hate others. I’m invested in the story so I will certainly be finishing the trilogy.
But this book and the previous rely HEAVILY on a trope that I absolutely HATE. I cannot STAND it when significant portions of the conflict/drama/events of the story rely on protagonist A not telling protagonist B critical information for no good reason. ‘Ohhhh I really need to tell so-and-so about such-and-such because it’s so important but I just can’t find the right tiiiime’ or ‘they will be soooo upseeeeet’ or ‘sure, it was really critical information but if would just be better not to tellllllll.’ I hate it HATE IT. And it happened in the previous book and I rolled my eyes but thought, ok well now that keeping secrets from each other has backfired so terribly, they won’t do it again. Wrong! I was wrong. ‘Oh we just can’t tell X about Y because…. Um…..’. Drives me nucking futs.
So anyway, really hope the third book doesn’t fall back on the ‘we’re the good guys but we’re all keeping critical secrets from each other for stupid reasons and it blows up in our faces’ trope.
But this book and the previous rely HEAVILY on a trope that I absolutely HATE. I cannot STAND it when significant portions of the conflict/drama/events of the story rely on protagonist A not telling protagonist B critical information for no good reason. ‘Ohhhh I really need to tell so-and-so about such-and-such because it’s so important but I just can’t find the right tiiiime’ or ‘they will be soooo upseeeeet’ or ‘sure, it was really critical information but if would just be better not to tellllllll.’ I hate it HATE IT. And it happened in the previous book and I rolled my eyes but thought, ok well now that keeping secrets from each other has backfired so terribly, they won’t do it again. Wrong! I was wrong. ‘Oh we just can’t tell X about Y because…. Um…..’. Drives me nucking futs.
So anyway, really hope the third book doesn’t fall back on the ‘we’re the good guys but we’re all keeping critical secrets from each other for stupid reasons and it blows up in our faces’ trope.
September 4, 2025
As old as this book series is compared to a few better known series from recent years, I feel like recapping this book would be pure spoiler material so I won’t.
What I will say is that the series reads like it was written with a proper plan of events in mind and if so, then it shows in the quality and efficiency of plot progression. For the Booktok girlies who like certain content, it doesn’t lack it but it doesn’t stall on it either - just one plot beat interwoven into the story - or attempt to become its new personality. The main villain doesn’t appear to be that but does present major problems to solve.
Book two in this series has essentially turned one established character into one to watch - for good or ill - another major headache character into one who has likely stumbled into a trap in spite of their conniving acts and confidence, and a new character who the experienced reader in this genre will figure out a mile off before the payoff at the end. I am very much looking forward to the last book to see just what plays out if the previous two books are anything to go by.
What I will say is that the series reads like it was written with a proper plan of events in mind and if so, then it shows in the quality and efficiency of plot progression. For the Booktok girlies who like certain content, it doesn’t lack it but it doesn’t stall on it either - just one plot beat interwoven into the story - or attempt to become its new personality. The main villain doesn’t appear to be that but does present major problems to solve.
Book two in this series has essentially turned one established character into one to watch - for good or ill - another major headache character into one who has likely stumbled into a trap in spite of their conniving acts and confidence, and a new character who the experienced reader in this genre will figure out a mile off before the payoff at the end. I am very much looking forward to the last book to see just what plays out if the previous two books are anything to go by.
January 21, 2019
This series is so amazing. It’s kind of bittersweet I only have one book left in it. There were so many surprises I would’ve never dreamed of waiting in the house Harlow and Augustine share. Lally is full of surprises herself. It’s 4am and I want to start the last book now but have to sleep. This will for sure keep you up all night. I haven’t read the Camarre series but have a few of them and the audiobooks. That’s on my list next. This one makes so much sense so if you want to dig into it first you can. However, the Crescent City needs to be read in order.
This narrator is one of the best I’ve listened to. He can do so many voices, male and female. And Augustine is to die for with his accent.
This narrator is one of the best I’ve listened to. He can do so many voices, male and female. And Augustine is to die for with his accent.
October 26, 2015
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: A 16-year-old girl has been abducted, and it’s up to Augustine and Harlow to find her before it’s too late. This second installment in the Crescent City series is well-written and fast-paced, but it ultimately felt like something was missing, making it less addictive than the first book.
Opening Sentence: Harlow woke with a gasp.
The Review:
Harlow Goodwin is still coming to terms with her fae side, but she really wants to learn to embrace it. She’s agreed to self-defense lessons with Augustine, and he’s also promised to help her find a good tutor in all things fae. While she knows her father is out there, she hasn’t heard from him lately, which is definitely a good thing. Augustine is adjusting well to being the city’s Guardian and has acquired a small group of people he trusts completely. So all in all, life is looking good. Then, the annual ball happens. Traditionally, the girl who has been elected Faerie Queen is “abducted” and brought safely to a hotel, where she has a fun night with her friends. On this night, however, the abduction is real. The ransom note is simple, Augustine must no longer be the city’s Guardian. Once that occurs, the girl will be delivered safely to her parents. The only problem is, the only way for Augustine to abdicate is to die. That’s obviously not going to happen, so Augustine, Harlow, and their friends must figure out where the girl is before the kidnapper follows through on his threat to kill her. Will they be able to find her in time?
While I gave this book the same rating as the first, I wasn’t nearly as swept away this time around. It’s still good, fast paced,and interesting, but there just seemed to be something missing. There were a couple things that really annoyed me with this one. First, there’s a twist towards the end that is ultimately super predictable. I basically spent most of the last portion of the book just waiting for it to happen, which took a lot of enjoyment out of the book.
Secondly, I had a hard time with Giselle’s sections of the book. While I understand it’s necessary to have her narration so that we know what she’s up to, whenever I would see her name pop up, I’d inwardly sigh and just try to get through the section as quickly as I could. Part of this is ironically due to the fact that Painter has portrayed her so well that I just can’t stand her and am anxious for her to receive her comeuppance. Watching her plot and scheme and seemingly get away with everything for now just frustrates me and makes me want to reach into the book and slap her.
On the bright side, I liked Harlow a lot better this time around. She does some very stupid things here and is entirely too trusting, but she doesn’t come off nearly as self-centered as she did in the first book. She’s really trying to embrace her fae side, and given everything that’s happened recently, that makes me really respect her as a character.
In the end, I did still enjoy this second book despite the items that frustrated me; I just didn’t love it as much as I did the first one. I’m interested to see what happens in the next book!
Notable Scene:
“Dates are easy,” Augustine answered. “But I’m not interested in anyone but you.”
“Me either,” Nekai quickly added.
Her brows lifted with shock and the kind of appraising look that caused Augustine to wonder if he’d done the right thing. Or maybe she just thought she was watching two overgrown teenagers fighting over her. If she chose Nekai…
“I don’t know.” She tapped a finger on her chin. “The ball is tomorrow night?”
“Yes.” Nekai shot Augustine a vicious look.
She sighed. “That’s short notice. Really short notice. From both of you.”
Nekai straightened a little. “I’m a well-respected member of fae society. We’d be sitting close to the head table.”
Augustine snorted. “I’m the Guardian. We’ll be sitting at the head table.” He shook his head.
Amateur.
“My point exactly,” Nekai shot back. “Harlow may not want that kind of scrutiny.”
“Scrutiny?” Harlow’s brow furrowed.
Damn it, Nekai had figured out one of Harlow’s weaknesses.
Nekai nodded with sudden concern. “Harlow, you should know there will be a lot of people there. Almost exclusively fae. If you don’t feel comfortable going at all, I understand.”
She paled a bit, then squared her shoulders. “It’s a masquerade, right?”
“Yes.”
She swallowed and nodded gently. “I can handle that.”
“I would never let anything happen to you.” Nekai put his hand on his chest. “I swear it.”
“Neither would I. Obviously.” Augustine barely controlled the urge to growl at the fool next to him.
An amused sparkle lit her eyes. “That’s very noble of you, Nekai. Can I assume you have some dangerous spells at your disposal then?”
He nodded. “I can be as lethal as Augustine when necessary.”
Augustine snorted. “I doubt that.” Then he remembered she’d seen him kill a vampire by slipping inside it shadeux style and was now acting a little afraid of him. “But then what do I know about weavers?”
Nekai growled softly before returning his attention to Harlow. “So which one of us would you like to accompany you?”
She picked her LMD up off the table, tucked it into the pocket of her sweater and shrugged, her eyes alight with pleasure. “I don’t know. I guess you’ll both have to show up tomorrow night and find out.”
FTC Advisory: Hachette/Orbit provided me with a copy of City of Eternal Night. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: A 16-year-old girl has been abducted, and it’s up to Augustine and Harlow to find her before it’s too late. This second installment in the Crescent City series is well-written and fast-paced, but it ultimately felt like something was missing, making it less addictive than the first book.
Opening Sentence: Harlow woke with a gasp.
The Review:
Harlow Goodwin is still coming to terms with her fae side, but she really wants to learn to embrace it. She’s agreed to self-defense lessons with Augustine, and he’s also promised to help her find a good tutor in all things fae. While she knows her father is out there, she hasn’t heard from him lately, which is definitely a good thing. Augustine is adjusting well to being the city’s Guardian and has acquired a small group of people he trusts completely. So all in all, life is looking good. Then, the annual ball happens. Traditionally, the girl who has been elected Faerie Queen is “abducted” and brought safely to a hotel, where she has a fun night with her friends. On this night, however, the abduction is real. The ransom note is simple, Augustine must no longer be the city’s Guardian. Once that occurs, the girl will be delivered safely to her parents. The only problem is, the only way for Augustine to abdicate is to die. That’s obviously not going to happen, so Augustine, Harlow, and their friends must figure out where the girl is before the kidnapper follows through on his threat to kill her. Will they be able to find her in time?
While I gave this book the same rating as the first, I wasn’t nearly as swept away this time around. It’s still good, fast paced,and interesting, but there just seemed to be something missing. There were a couple things that really annoyed me with this one. First, there’s a twist towards the end that is ultimately super predictable. I basically spent most of the last portion of the book just waiting for it to happen, which took a lot of enjoyment out of the book.
Secondly, I had a hard time with Giselle’s sections of the book. While I understand it’s necessary to have her narration so that we know what she’s up to, whenever I would see her name pop up, I’d inwardly sigh and just try to get through the section as quickly as I could. Part of this is ironically due to the fact that Painter has portrayed her so well that I just can’t stand her and am anxious for her to receive her comeuppance. Watching her plot and scheme and seemingly get away with everything for now just frustrates me and makes me want to reach into the book and slap her.
On the bright side, I liked Harlow a lot better this time around. She does some very stupid things here and is entirely too trusting, but she doesn’t come off nearly as self-centered as she did in the first book. She’s really trying to embrace her fae side, and given everything that’s happened recently, that makes me really respect her as a character.
In the end, I did still enjoy this second book despite the items that frustrated me; I just didn’t love it as much as I did the first one. I’m interested to see what happens in the next book!
Notable Scene:
“Dates are easy,” Augustine answered. “But I’m not interested in anyone but you.”
“Me either,” Nekai quickly added.
Her brows lifted with shock and the kind of appraising look that caused Augustine to wonder if he’d done the right thing. Or maybe she just thought she was watching two overgrown teenagers fighting over her. If she chose Nekai…
“I don’t know.” She tapped a finger on her chin. “The ball is tomorrow night?”
“Yes.” Nekai shot Augustine a vicious look.
She sighed. “That’s short notice. Really short notice. From both of you.”
Nekai straightened a little. “I’m a well-respected member of fae society. We’d be sitting close to the head table.”
Augustine snorted. “I’m the Guardian. We’ll be sitting at the head table.” He shook his head.
Amateur.
“My point exactly,” Nekai shot back. “Harlow may not want that kind of scrutiny.”
“Scrutiny?” Harlow’s brow furrowed.
Damn it, Nekai had figured out one of Harlow’s weaknesses.
Nekai nodded with sudden concern. “Harlow, you should know there will be a lot of people there. Almost exclusively fae. If you don’t feel comfortable going at all, I understand.”
She paled a bit, then squared her shoulders. “It’s a masquerade, right?”
“Yes.”
She swallowed and nodded gently. “I can handle that.”
“I would never let anything happen to you.” Nekai put his hand on his chest. “I swear it.”
“Neither would I. Obviously.” Augustine barely controlled the urge to growl at the fool next to him.
An amused sparkle lit her eyes. “That’s very noble of you, Nekai. Can I assume you have some dangerous spells at your disposal then?”
He nodded. “I can be as lethal as Augustine when necessary.”
Augustine snorted. “I doubt that.” Then he remembered she’d seen him kill a vampire by slipping inside it shadeux style and was now acting a little afraid of him. “But then what do I know about weavers?”
Nekai growled softly before returning his attention to Harlow. “So which one of us would you like to accompany you?”
She picked her LMD up off the table, tucked it into the pocket of her sweater and shrugged, her eyes alight with pleasure. “I don’t know. I guess you’ll both have to show up tomorrow night and find out.”
FTC Advisory: Hachette/Orbit provided me with a copy of City of Eternal Night. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
April 16, 2021
I finally like Harlow in this one, and I'm really excited to see where this story leads. We've gotten some interesting magic in this one, and I can't wait to learn more about these fae. I'll be continuing on to the next installment on Audible.
November 1, 2017
Good book, well written, and what a cliff hanger.
November 22, 2018
A good story, but the overly melodramatic dialogue is really a negative. A bit more nuance would be appreciated.
May 23, 2021
Cool world development. Love the characters
March 8, 2022
LOVE this series! Onto the next.
May 20, 2022
Loved it!!
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